WASTE ORIGIN:Diagnostic Materials and Cleaning Equipment
WASTE TYPES: Amalgam Developer, Developer Systems Cleaner (Chromium), Lead Foil and Silver/Mercury, Silver (X-ray Fixer, X-ray Film), and Vapor Sterilizer Chemicals (Formaldehyde)

WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING METHODS:

• Do not mix used X-ray fixer and developer: Dedicate separate containers and treatment methods.
• Used X-ray fixer can be handled in a couple ways:
  • Collect and store in a closed plastic container labeled "Hazardous Waste - Used Fixer" with the date fixer was first added;
    • Contact a recycling service when enough fixer has accumulated (usually 5-10 gallons);
  • Install a silver recovery unit at the end of the X-ray processing unit.
• Used X-ray film should be placed in labeled container; silver reclamation companies will often also take film.
• Used lead foil may be accepted by reclamation companies or recycled through dental supply companies. Label the container as hazardous waste.
• Waste amalgam should be captured in sink drain screens and recycled:
  • Store waste amalgam in a closed container labeled as hazardous waste with content and date information;
  • Used, empty amalgam capsules are non-hazardous and may be disposed of as solid waste.
  • Disposable filters should be disinfected and may be recycled with the amalgam. Check with your recycler.
  • Consider using non-mercury containing materials for fillings such as composite.
• Cleaners for developer systems that contain chromium can be handled in a few ways:
  • Install cleaners that do not contain chromium;
  • Find a cleaning service that will clean the developing unit at the clinic and properly dispose of the chromium-containing cleaner;
  • Collect and store in a closed plastic container labeled as hazardous waste, and contact a recycling service when enough tainted cleaner has accumulated.
• Vapor sterilizer chemicals may be poured down the drain (sewered) if the local publicly-owned treatment works (POTW) has a sewage treatment system to handle the clinic’s quantity. If not, these chemicals must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
• X-ray developer can be poured down a drain connected to a POTW, but not into a septic system.
• Contact local or state government agencies with hazardous waste departments for information on silver or amalgam recycling services, scrap metal reclaimers, and medical/infectious waste transporters/disposers.

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