The following is a basic checklist for waste management, be sure to check with your State, County and City agencies for specific requirements.

Amalgam/Mercury

• An Amalgam/Mercury management plan that includes the policies & procedures for handling and discarding Amalgam/Mercury is established and all staff members have reviewed.
• Amalgam Safes are located in each operatory where amalgam is placed.
• Trap filters are in use and maintained in each operatory. When amalgam is placed or removed traps are discarded in an Amalgam Waste Container which is removed by a waste management service.
• Empty amalgam capsules are discarded in the Amalgam Waste Container.
• An Amalgam/Mercury Separator is in use.  (either by regulation or by voluntary)
• If an Amalgam/Mercury Separator is not in use, the vacuum filter is discarded in the Amalgam Waste Container.
• Only Amalgam/Mercury Separator safe vacuum line cleaner is used.  (Read the label of the vacuum line cleaner before using and determine if safe with separators)
• Staff receives yearly training on Amalgam/Mercury management.

Hazardous Waste Materials

Most Cities and Counties have a “Zero Tolerance Policy” when it comes to discharging chemicals and hazardous materials into waste system.  The following common items, if used, must be removed by a waste management service,

• Lead
• Fixer
• Sharps
• Amalgam/Mercury (unused & scrap)

Note: Lead and Amalgam must be properly contained and the container clearly marked.  An Amalgam Safe is highly recommended.  Your Waste Management will advise you as to the proper storage containers to be used.

• Developer
• Vapor-Sterile
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cold Sterile (containing glutaraldehyde)

Universal Waste Rule

The State’s Universal Waste Rule prohibits specific items to be discarded into the standard trash system, therefore must be collected and discarded properly.  Check with your city (home & business) website for additional information.  The following are basic items,

• Used Batteries
• Fluorescent Tubes
• Electronic Devices
• Electronic Components
• Vapor Filled Light Bulbs
• Compressed propellant items
• Staff receives yearly training on Hazardous Waste management.

Waste Management Recordkeeping

• When waste products are removed from the office, a record in the form of a manifest or receipt must be obtained.  (Self-contained systems are exempt)
• Manifest must indicates each item that is removed from the business. Manifest that “group” items is not acceptable.
• Manifests are stored in a binder or folder in an organized manner.

No doubt, with the advancement of dentistry and the introduction of new composite materials, amalgam days are numbered.  In fact, the phrase “Mercury Free Dentistry” has grown a good momentum among dental offices, however amalgam is still here, still being removed from patients and still needs to be disposed of properly.  Here are some suggestions,

• Install an Amalgam Separator.
• Obtain an Amalgam Waste Management System (dental supply)
• Establish a written policies & procedures for handling and disposing of amalgam
• Amalgam traps and amalgam waste, no matter how small of amount must be captured and disposed in the Amalgam Waste Management System
• Empty plastic amalgam capsules must be disposed in the Amalgam Waste Management System
• Chair-side traps must be disposed in the Amalgam Waste Management System
• Unused amalgam capsules must be stored in a secure container and properly labeled
• Do not store amalgam waste for more than six months

Q: What is Universal Waste and does it concern dental offices?

A: Universal Waste refers to items like batteries, fluorescent light tubes, neon bulbs, electronic devices, devices containing mercury, and non-empty aerosol cans containing hazardous materials to name a few. The California Universal Waste Rule makes it mandatory for businesses which includes dental offices to collect Universal Waste and dispose of it properly meaning either having your waste management service remove it or deposit the items at a collection center. Many cities are adding specific items to the list so it is best to check with the city which your dental office is located to find out what additional items are regulated. By regulations you cannot throw Universal Waste in the trash.