Handling Dental Office Waste
Type of Waste Blood / Body Fluids
Disposal Method
Blood in rinse waters or other flowable quantities may be discharged to the public sewer system. Blood-saturated gauze, cloth, etc., must be handled and disposed of as regulated medical waste. Materials caked with dried blood must also be handled and disposed of as regulated medical waste.
Chemiclave Waste
Chemiclave chemicals can often be diluted and poured down the drain into the public sewer system( contact your local sewage treatment plant or municipality). Where this method of disposal is unavailable, dental offices must properly handle the waste chemicals. Never discharge potentially hazardous chemicals to an on-lot septic system. They could be detrimental to the system and contaminate groundwater. Virgin Chemiclave chemicals generally contain high levels of formaldehyde and alcohols that may exhibit hazardous characteristics. As a result, unused and off-specification Chemiclave chemicals may need to be disposed of as hazardous waste. Check the Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer for helpful information concerning properties of the product.
Chromium-Containing X-Ray System Cleaners
Many cleaners for X-ray developer systems contain chromium. Check the Safety Data Sheet to determine if the cleaner contains chromium. If your cleaner does contain chromium, the wastes may need be handled as hazardous waste. PDA recommends using a system cleaner that does not contain chromium. Environmentally safe cleaners are just as effective as the chromium based cleaners.
Disinfectants
Disinfectants may usually be discharged into the public sewer system. Questions or concerns about a particular disinfectant should be directed to the local treatment plant or municipality. If disinfectants are poured down the drain, flush the drain well with water.
PDA Waste Management Guidelines 9