Waste Management
2025
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Quick Tips for the Dental Office
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Waste Management
Waste Management
The practice of dentistry involves the generation of both hazardous and regulated medical waste; some wastewater discharges may also be of concern. Dental office personnel should be aware of the types of waste produced in the dental office and how to properly handle and dispose of these wastes. PDA recommends both the reduction and recycling of wastes as preferred waste management practices. For additional information about proper waste disposal and recycling information, please see PDA’ s Waste Management Guidelines.
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste regulations are primarily enforced at the state level. Waste is determined to be hazardous if it is listed on one of EPA’ s four lists found in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 261, or if it displays one or more of the following characteristics:
• Ignitability – easily combustible or flammable
• Corrosivity – high or low pH, dissolves metals or other materials, or burn skin
• Reactivity – undergoes violent chemical reaction with water or other materials
• Toxicity – harmful when ingested, inhaled or absorbed; includes heavy metals and certain organic compounds
Hazardous waste must be transported by a licensed transporter and disposed of at an approved facility.
Examples of hazardous materials commonly used in the dental office include:
• Mercury and silver used in making amalgam
• Lead found in lead-foil packets and lead shields
• Silver found in X-ray fixer solutions
• Formaldehyde, acetones and ketones found in chemiclave chemicals
Hazardous materials that are recycled are not considered hazardous waste. Depending on how you choose to handle hazardous materials or hazardous wastes, always contact the recycling, transportation or disposal facility for packaging, handling and shipping requirements.
2025