Dental Offices

Proper disposal of dental amalgam, which contains up to 50 percent mercury and some silver, zinc, copper and tin, is a particular concern for preventing the pollution of the Sacramento River watershed. Amalgam-containing waste generated at dental offices includes dental amalgam chunks, mixtures containing dental amalgam fines, dental amalgam sludge, extracted teeth with amalgam restorations, and single-use traps and vacuum pump filters that contain dental amalgam.

All amalgam-containing waste can be recycled under the Universal Waste Rule (pdf*). If not recycled, then it must be disposed of as hazardous waste. The waste should never be rinsed down the drain, thrown in the trash or in medical waste/red bags. Mercury may be released from amalgam if it is incinerated or may leach out if it ends up in wastewater.

What are the requirements for handling amalgam waste under the Universal Waste Rule?

1. Place amalgam in airtight containers.
   
2. Label or mark the airtight containers with one of the following phrases: "Universal Waste-Dental Amalgam", "Waste Dental Amalgam" or "Scrap Dental Amalgam".
   
3. Maintain a record, in the form of a log, invoice, manifest, bill of lading or other shipping documents for at least 3 years, along with the following information:
   
   • Name and address of the universal waste handler, destination facility or foreign destination to whom the waste was sent
     
   • The quantity of each type of universal waste sent
     
   • The date the shipment of universal waste left your facility
     

What if I don't handle my amalgam waste under the Universal Waste Rule?

If the amalgam waste is not handled under the Universal Waste Rule, then it must be disposed of as a hazardous waste. Some of the requirements for disposal of hazardous waste include:

1. Obtaining an EPA generator ID number.
   
2. Keeping accurate records of hazardous waste management.
   
3. Proper labeling and handling instructions that clearly indicate "Hazardous Waste".
   
4. Manifesting, transporting and disposing for accurately tracking the entire process.
   
5. Sending the waste to a permitted facility by a certified waste hauler. For a list of services available in Sacramento County, contact the Business Environmental Resource Center at 916-649-0225.
   

Prevent mercury pollution by following these guidelines at your dental office:

• Never rinse traps in the sink!
  Trapped mercury-containing amalgam will go directly to the sewer and wastewater treatment plant, which is not equipped to completely remove mercury before the treated water is returned to the Sacramento River.
  

• Don't neglect your vacuum system filters and screens!
  Check that all vacuum pumps are equipped with filter screens and use finer screens to prevent more particles from entering the sanitary sewer. Even some dry turbine vacuum systems need filters and built-up sludge in air/water separators must be cleaned regularly and recycled or disposed of as hazardous waste.
  

• Don't put mercury in medical waste containers!
  Incineration and solid waste disposal can release mercury-containing waste in directly into the environment. Store amalgam-containing waste in designated airtight containers. Talk to your waste hauler about specific handling requirements for each mercury-containing waste stream.
  

• Don't place other materials in your mercury waste or recycling containers!
  The added volume will cost you more and could make recycling or disposal efforts more difficult.
  

• Don't mix waste streams without checking with your waste hauler first!
  Mixing may limit recycling and disposal options and result in higher costs.
  

For additional information on the regulatory requirements for managing amalgam waste see the Department of Toxic Substance Control Fact Sheet (pdf*).

For additional information see the following SRCSD materials:

• Dental Facilities Fact Sheet (53K pdf*)
  
• Dental Facilities Tip Sheet (297K pdf*)
  
• Dental Waste Disposal Services (61K pdf*)
  

*Requires Adobe Acrobat's free reader, available here: