No doubt, with the advancement of dentistry and the introduction of new composite materials, amalgam days are numbered.  In fact, the phrase “Mercury Free Dentistry” has grown a good momentum among dental offices, however amalgam is still here, still being removed from patients and still needs to be disposed of properly.  Here are some suggestions,

• Install an Amalgam Separator.
• Obtain an Amalgam Waste Management System (dental supply)
• Establish a written policies & procedures for handling and disposing of amalgam
• Amalgam traps and amalgam waste, no matter how small of amount must be captured and disposed in the Amalgam Waste Management System
• Empty plastic amalgam capsules must be disposed in the Amalgam Waste Management System
• Chair-side traps must be disposed in the Amalgam Waste Management System
• Unused amalgam capsules must be stored in a secure container and properly labeled
• Do not store amalgam waste for more than six months