Where should dental casts be disposed of?

Dental casts, which are created from materials like gypsum, contain components that fall under the category of materials designed specifically for dental use. The best practice for disposal is to use a gypsum box, as this is specifically designated for the safe disposal of gypsum products. By placing dental casts in a gypsum box, you help ensure that these materials are managed correctly and recycled appropriately within a system designed to handle them, minimizing environmental impact and complying with waste disposal regulations.

Using a clinical waste bin is unsuitable for dental casts, as these bins are intended for hazardous or biohazardous materials, which dental casts do not constitute. Similarly, general waste bins are for everyday waste that doesn't require special handling, and recycling bins are intended for materials that can be recycled, such as paper or plastics, rather than gypsum-based products. Therefore, disposing of dental casts in the gypsum box aligns with best practices regarding waste management in dental settings.