Dental Waste

Dentists generate small amounts of a wide variety of wastes. To find out how to manage infectious, recyclable or pharmaceutical wastes, click on the topics on the menu to the left. For other wastes, such as amalgam and fixer, please see these resources:

Related Links

• Overview of Waste Management at Health Care Facilities - General information about managing waste from health care facilities.
• Managing Waste in a Health Care Setting - How to manage particular wastes.
• Mercury Thermometers - Links to resources about thermometer collections and mercury spills.

Related Sites

• A Guide for Dentists: How to Manage Waste From Your Dental Practice [PDF 73KB, exit DNR] - University of Wisconsin-Extension Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center (SHWEC) PUBL 425.SB.9602.
• Amalgam Management for Dental Offices [exit DNR] - SHWEC PUBL 425.SB.0609 (Revised).
• Silver Recovery and Recycling Services for Wisconsin Businesses and Institutions [PDF 47KB, exit DNR] - SHWEC PUBL 430.WP.9603.
• Wisconsin Dental Association [exit DNR] - Information about management of amalgam waste. Search for "recycling amalgam" and "amalgam & dental waste."
• American Dental Association [exit DNR] - Search professional topics A - Z for "amalgam waste", "amalgam separators" and other topics.
• Practice Greenhealth [exit DNR] - Provides practical solutions to environmental challenges in health care.
• Healthcare Environmental Resource Center [exit DNR] - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides pollution prevention and compliance assistance information for the health care sector.
• BESMART [exit DNR] - Waste reduction ideas for dental clinics and other businesses compiled by the Wisconsin Be SMART Coalition, a partnership of local communities, state agencies, non-profit and environmental organizations, and businesses dedicated to reducing waste and fostering sustainability in Wisconsin.
• EPA Mercury [exit DNR]

Contact Information

For questions and comments about dental waste, please contact:

DNR Medical Waste@Wisconsin.gov