Universal Waste
Universal waste is classified as hazardous waste generated by a large population and is subject to streamlined regulations , designed to facilitate environmentally sound collection and increased recycling . Universal wastes may or may not be found in the dental office and include the following :
• Batteries
• Pesticides
• Mercury containing equipment and lamps
• Oil-based finishes
• Photographic solutions
Universal waste management does not require the use of a manifest , or a licensed transporter to transport waste to a permitted treatment , storage or disposal facility .
Regulated Medical Waste
Regulated medical waste is regulated at the state level . Examples of regulated medical waste in the dental office include :
• Cultures and stocks
• Pathological wastes : tissues , body parts and body fluids – but not extracted teeth – removed during medical or laboratory procedures
• Human blood and body fluid waste : items saturated or dripping with blood , items caked with dried blood or items contaminated by body fluids during medical and laboratory procedures .
• Used sharps : used in patient care or treatment such as hypodermic needles , syringes and suture needles
Regulated medical waste must be handled and stored separately from other wastes . Appropriate containers such as double bags or rigid containers must be used to store regulated medical waste .
With the exception of used sharps , regulated medical waste may only be stored for up to 30 days from the date the bag is full or sealed ( whichever came first ) at room temperature or in the refrigerator ( provided no problems are encountered with odors or organisms such as insects or mice ), or for up to 90 days in a freezer .
Used sharps may be stored in appropriate containers until the containers are full .
Waste Water Discharges
Sewage and other liquid wastes that are placed into sewer systems are referred to as “ discharges .” Federal , state and local regulations govern waste water discharges into public sewer systems . In addition to ordinary sewage , waste water discharges from dental offices may include chemicals or metals that are subject to regulation . Chemical waste water discharges may include such wastes as :
• Straight alcohol
• Ether
• Peroxide
• Solvents
• X-ray fixer solution cont ’ d . 2021