Introduction: Today's, One of the most important environmental issues is dental solid wastes that because of the presence of hazardous, toxic and pathogen agents have special importance. In this survey, solid waste produced in Hamadan private dental offices is studied.
Method: In this descriptive study, from 23 private dental offices in Hamadan, 8 offices were selected in simple random way. From each offices 3 samples at the end of successive working day (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday) were collected and analyzed. Samples were manually sorted into different 65 components and by means of laboratory scale were measured. Then, measured components were classified based on characteristic and hazardous potential.
Results: Total annual waste produced in private dental offices in Hamadan is 2685.42 Kg.
production percentages of domestic type, potentially infectious, chemical and pharmaceutical and toxic wastes were 48.45, 43.85, 7.33 and 0.37 respectively. Main components of produced dental waste were 14 components that consist of more than 80 percent’s of total dental solid waste. So, waste reduction, separation and recycling plans in the offices must be concentrated on these main components.
Conclusion: In order to dental waste suitable management, it is suggested that in addition to educate dentists for waste reduction, separation and recycling in the offices, each section of dental waste (toxic, chemical and pharmaceutical, potentially infectious and domestic type wastes) separately and according to related regulation are managed.