2025
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:
• Aerosol Cans
• 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.
2025