Managing silver and lead waste in dental offices.

BACKGROUND: The heightened awareness within organized dentistry of environmental issues led the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs to develop recommendations on proper management of silver and lead wastes. OVERVIEW: This council report provides recommendations on managing silver waste (in used fixer solution) and lead waste (in used intraoral film packets, lead aprons and lead collars) through recycling. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These recommendations are intended to provide guidance to practitioners in ensuring responsible disposal of wastes generated by dental offices and in minimizing the release of potential pollutants into the environment.