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 8