Dental solid waste management and associated environmental impacts in Australia: A mini-review.

Authors

Sarah Ng, Prabhakar Veginadu, Rebecca Chen, Natalia Uthurralt, Woosung Sohn, Bradley Christian

Published in

Waste management & research : the journal of the International Solid Wastes and Public Cleansing Association, ISWA. Pages 734242X261499523. Nov 13, 2026. Epub Nov 13, 2026.

Abstract

Over the past century, global warming has become a major environmental issue. The healthcare sector, particularly the dental industry, has been responsible for generating significant amounts of solid waste, and consequently creating greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global warming. This mini-review collates evidence on the current global literature and Australian policy landscape on Australian dental solid waste management and associated environmental impacts. It involved a rapid literature review of global academic and grey literature and Australian policies on the management of dental solid waste. Seven academic articles, eight grey literature articles and three Australian policies were included for review. Key findings were tabulated and thematically coded into headings adapted from the 2018 Australian National Waste Policy framework for solid waste management. Solid waste generation should be reduced through actions such as oral health promotion and caries prevention activities, digitisation of dental administrative processes and streamlining of clinical processes. Waste management system design is important, including waste segregation and proper design of disposal and recycling systems. Knowledge sharing and staff education can help activate behavioural change towards the management of solid waste. Focusing on environmental sustainability, product stewardship and reducing single-use plastics and packaging can also improve solid waste management. Not all waste can be avoided in dentistry, and dental organisations should have alternative strategies to manage solid waste. Strong leadership and governance to support solid waste management strategies can ensure that organisations approach solid waste management at the highest level possible, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on climate change.

PMID:
43023500
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 13 Nov 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.