Almost a year ago, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule requiring most dental offices to install amalgam separators.
The rule includes some exemptions, a phase-in period for existing dental offices and considerations for dental practices that have already installed the devices.
The ADA worked with the EPA on the final rule and commended the agency for what it considers “a fair and reasonable approach to the management of dental amalgam waste.”
Dental offices should contact their pretreatment control authority to determine the full extent to which the EPA requirements and others apply to their practice.
For details visit ADA.org/RecycleAmalgam or search “Oral Health Topics” on ADA.org.