Default text size Medium text size Large text size
skip navigation
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
PUBLIC GOVERNMENT BUSINESS A to Z LIST

Frequently Asked Questions
 
Small Quantity Generators
  • Where can I send wastewater for testing?
    DES maintains a list of accredited laboratories for testing. Visit the Accredited Laboratories page for more information.
Back to Top
  • Where can I go to find more info about amalgam management?
    Go to the Mercury Waste in Dental Offices page for more information on how to deal with mercury waste from dental practices.
Back to Top
  • Where can I purchase silver reclamation units for use in dental offices?
    Contact the NH Dental Society at (603)225-5961. They might have a vendorcontract for members of NHDS.

    The next best place to look for vendors of silver recovery equipment is tolook at the list of Silver Recovery Equipment Vendors Adobe Acrobat.

    Another option is to switch over to digital radiology. The advantage of this technology is that it eliminates the wait for processing; it eliminates as much as 90 percent of the radiation exposure; and it offers far better imaging and diagnostic capabilities. The best part of this technology is that it eliminates the generation of hazardous wastes from photographic developing.

    For more information about silver waste, go to Management of Silver Waste from Dental Offices.
Back to Top
Back to Top
  • Where can I go to find information about best management practices (BMPs) for dentists?
    Review the Best Management Practices for Dental Offices in New Hampshire for information about BMPs for dentists.

    For additional info on dental offices, check out Pollution Prevention for Dental Offices.
Back to Top
  • If I request NH Pollution Prevention Program to visit my dental office, what type of questions should I expect?
    When the NHPPP visits a dental office, they review amalgam management, silver recovery, and universal waste recycling. The Dental Office Waste Management Evaluation Report Microsoft Word Symbol is a simple "checklist" of questions used by staff to determine compliance and pollution prevention opportunities.
  • What are typical hazardous wastes at dental facilities?
    Three common hazardous wastes are generated by dental facilities:
    • Silver from x-ray processing
    • Mercury from amalgam
    • Lead from foils and shields
    If these wastes are properly recycled, they will not contribute to your facility's generator status. Visit Management of Wastes from Dental Offices for a complete listing of wastes and recycling information.
Back to Top
  • Is our facility a small or full quantity generator?
    If your facility generates less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month, you are considered a "small quantity generator" according to New Hampshire Hazardous Waste Rules. If your facility generates greater than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month, you are a "full quantity generator." Most New Hampshire dental offices are small quantity generators. Visit One Stop to determine your current generator status.
Back to Top
  • How can we reduce the amount of waste generated at our facility?
  • Switch to alternative restoration.
  • Use digital x-rays.
  • Use a silver recovery unit. Ask your silver recycler if they can take your facility's removed amalgam.
  • Purchase only the amount of product needed.
  • Train your employees on proper process techniques to reduce needless spills.
  • Separate your hazardous and solid wastes. This will eliminate excess amounts of hazardous material generated, by distinguishing those that can be discarded as solid waste.
Back to Top
  • What are the differences between Universal and Hazardous Wastes?
    Universal wastes are wastes that meet the definition of hazardous waste in the NH Hazardous Waste Rules. They are generated by all segments of the population and, unfortunately, often improperly disposed of by the people who generate them. In an effort to make it easier and more cost effective to properly manage these wastes, the Universal Waste Rules exempts the wastes from the more burdensome Hazardous Waste Rules requirements, as long as they are managed to prevent release to the environment and properly recycled or disposed of.

    Links to information on specific New Hampshire universal wastes:
Back to Top

 

 

Adobe Acrobat Reader Symbol Adobe Acrobat Reader format. Download a free reader from Adobe.

Microsoft Word Symbol Microsoft Word format. Download a free viewer from Microsoft.




NH Department of Environmental Services | 29 Hazen Drive | PO Box 95 | Concord, NH 03302-0095
(603) 271-3503 | TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964 | Hours: M-F, 8am-4pm

NH.gov | privacy policy | accessibility policy
copyright 2008. State of New Hampshire