Extracted teeth are considered regulated medical waste under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) due to potential contamination with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Proper disposal is critical to ensure regulatory compliance and maintain safety.
✅ Teeth WITHOUT Amalgam
Dispose in a regulated sharps container.
Teeth must be discarded into a FDA-cleared sharps container due to the potential for residual blood and tissue.
Use rigid, puncture-resistant, leak-proof containers with proper biohazard labeling.
Once full, the container should be disposed of via a regulated medical waste program, such as PureWay’s Sharps Disposal Mail-Back System or scheduled pickup.
⚠️ Teeth WITH Amalgam Fillings
DO NOT place in sharps or biohazard containers.
Instead, dispose of teeth containing amalgam in a designated scrap amalgam collection container due to the presence of mercury, which is considered hazardous.
PureWay Amalgam Waste Solution:
Use PureWay’s Amalgam Waste Collection Containers, specifically labeled for dental amalgam, including teeth with amalgam restorations.
These containers are RCRA-compliant and are designed for safe storage and shipment.
Ship using PureWay’s Amalgam Mail-Back System, which includes tracking and documentation for compliance.
🗂 Documentation & Storage Requirements
Always maintain generator records (e.g., manifests, tracking logs) for medical and hazardous waste.
Store all waste in a secure, labeled area until pickup or shipment.
🚨 State-Specific Considerations
Some states impose stricter regulations than federal guidelines. Below are notable examples:
California
Amalgam-containing teeth are considered hazardous waste; disposal into red bag medical waste or sharps containers is prohibited.
Must use an EPA-registered mercury amalgam container.
New York & Minnesota
Similar to CA, disposal of amalgam in red bag waste is not allowed.
Requirements include segregation and documentation of amalgam-containing items.
Texas, Florida, Ohio, Washington
Recognize amalgam as a regulated material; enforce proper hazardous waste labeling.
Some require pre-treatment or separation prior to waste contractor pickup.
🗺️ For state-by-state regulations, refer to PureWay’s interactive map: https://www.pureway.com/resources/map-temp
🛡️ OSHA and EPA Compliance Notes
Teeth should be handled using gloves and PPE per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030.
Facilities must have an Exposure Control Plan and provide annual BBP training.
EPA’s Dental Amalgam Rule (40 CFR Part 441) applies to most dental offices and requires use of amalgam separators and proper recycling or disposal of scrap amalgam.
✅ PureWay Compliance Support
PureWay offers complete solutions to ensure proper disposal of extracted teeth:
Need | PureWay Solution |
Sharps Disposal | Mail-back containers or scheduled pickup |
Amalgam Teeth Disposal | Scrap Amalgam Containers with mail-back return |
OSHA Compliance | Bloodborne Pathogen Training and Exposure Plans |
State-Specific Support | Regulatory guide and compliance consultation |
To order disposal containers or schedule service, visit: https://www.pureway.com