How to Dispose of Dental Anesthetic Carpules
How to Dispose of Dental Anesthetic Carpules
By Olivia Wann
Modern Practice Solutions, LLC is receiving numerous calls regarding disposal of pharmaceutical waste, particularly dental anesthetic carpules. The American Dental Association recently published an article, “Stericycle Contracts: Read the Fine Print – Dentists Question Business Practices,” in the ADA News June 20, 2016 edition. Dentists are looking for affordable options for waste disposal rather than being bound to expensive contracts.
In managing dental anesthetic carpules, first we must recognize how to distinguish the waste:
Carpules with Visible Blood: These carpules are classified as biohazardous sharps waste and must be placed in a sharps container for proper medical waste disposal.
Empty, Unbroken Carpules: Carpules that contain no remaining anesthetic or aspirated blood can be placed in the trash for general waste disposal (Check with local and state regulations. We verified disposal of empty carpules with the State of Tennessee. Tennessee agrees that best practice is to dispose of in sharps; however, it is not required providing the carpule contains no blood and no anesthetic).Note: Minnesota considers this waste as hazardous pharmaceutical waste.
Carpules with Anesthetic: These carpules are disposed of as pharmaceutical waste and transported to a medical waste incinerator.
An affordable option is Sharps Compliance, Inc. as well as other vendors that provide pay-as-you-go type solutions. Sharps Compliance, Inc. provides the TakeAway Environmental Return System which is a good choice for small dental offices. Visit http://sharpsinc.com/pharmaceutical-waste to learn more about the program.
