Technological advancements allow dental practices to upgrade to digital dental x-ray machines from film x-ray machines. In recent years, there has been a massive shift to cone beam systems or direct-digital extraoral X-rays from 2D digital x-ray machines. 

Of course, most patients get excited at the news of getting a better diagnosis and treatment, thanks to more advanced information through better quality images. 

But, it also means that you would have to dispose of old dental x-ray machines more than it would happen before. 

What are the options for getting rid of that old dental x-ray machine?

How to Dispose Of an Old Dental X-Ray Machine

Are you wondering how to get rid of old x-ray machine?

The best x-ray machine removal is by returning it to the supplier or manufacturer. If that’s not possible, consider the following x-ray equipment components before disposing of them:

• The x-ray housings have cast steel with lead lining or lead material. Scrap metal dealers can, therefore, recycle the housing. Thus, a prescribed waste determination of the lead must occur before disposing of the housings.
• X-ray tubes containing beryllium windows must undergo the prescribed waste determination before getting rid of them. 
• Specific x-ray machines contain transformers, which may contain PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) dielectric oil. So, determine whether the transformer has PCB before conducting the disposal. Disposal of certain concentration levels of PCB dielectric oil must undergo regulation.
• X-ray tube oil may contain PCB. Disposal of the oil depends on its concentration levels, which becomes a regulated activity once it surpasses a certain level. 
• Destroying critical components of the X-ray generator.
• Dental x-ray head disposal by removal of the x-ray machine’s head and cutting off its electric cord.

Once you’ve gone through the above procedures and are ready to remove the machines, here are some ways to dispose of old dental x-ray machines.

Selling the X-Ray Machine as Scrap

Before selling off the x-ray machine parts as scrap, you must enlist the services of a professional dental service company. They will help you uninstall and remove hazardous and sensitive dental x-ray machine components. 

Disposing of the Whole Dental X-Ray Machine

You can choose to dispose of the whole x-ray unit. But first, a professional dental service company must help you uninstall the machine to remove hazardous parts, like lead tubes.

Donating the X-Ray Machine

You can choose to donate the machine to companies that recycle machines. Project Cure and Partners in Health are non-profit organizations that occasionally accept high-quality donations of functional x-ray equipment. 

You may also reach out to the local or state dental association for them to help you identify needy organizations. 

Re-selling to a Used Equipment Vendor

When you can’t find a willing buyer for the old dental x-ray machine, you can re-sell it to a used dental equipment vendor. Also, before engaging the vendor, ensure they’re reputable; otherwise, it may cause you more trouble.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Will you receive payment during the purchase, or is there a waiting period?
• Is the x-ray machine a unit the vendor purchases? Check through their website to see if they sell your x-ray machine model. That way, you’ll be sure of a purchase. 
• Does the vendor have a team of dedicated project managers, or will you do all the work?
• Does the vendor have a good understanding of dental X-rays?
• Do they use third parties or send their technicians?

Re-Purposing the Old X-Ray Machine

How much does an x-ray machine cost? Buying a new one would have you parting with a tidy sum. So, why not sell the old dental x-ray machine to someone starting a dental practice? This way, you’ll help them cut down their startup costs.

Remember that logistics include machine removal from your location to their location, ongoing support, software licensing, installation in the new office, etc. Still, the good thing is that this is an eco-friendly option.

Disposing of X-Ray Machines More Than 50 Years Old

X-ray machines over 50 years old may contain flammable material, nitrocellulose. Thus, you must adhere to EPA rules when disposing of the old dental x-ray machine. You can use the services of a private waste disposal expert. 

Disposal of X-Ray Films

X-ray films contain silver emulsions, have flammable material and are highly reactive, and it’s illegal to dispose of them in a landfill or the garbage. The best way to get rid of x-ray films is through recycling. Recycling companies melt the films to extract and recycle silver. 

Before handing over the films to any company, confirm that they’re HIPAA-compliant.

Need a Solution for Protecting your New X-Ray Machine? 

The Mighty Shell is a tough, lightweight, and affordable protective case made of durable plastic that can withstand daily wear and tear and shield your Nomad™ Pro 2 handheld x-ray unit from drops. It serves a similar function as a phone case, safeguarding your valuable X-Ray equipment from damage. Learn more about the Might Shell today!