Amalgam Separator FAQs Offered

Dental teams seeking answers to questions regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) dental amalgam separator rule can refer to a series of Frequently Asked Questions that’s now available on the agency’s website (epa.gov/eg/dental-effluent-guidelines#frequent). The EPA’s recently issued ruling requires most dental practices to install amalgam separator units. Dental teams should also follow best management practices recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). The first prohibits providers from flushing waste amalgam down drains. The second prohibits the use of bleach or chlorine-containing cleaners that may lead to the dissolution of solid mercury when cleaning chairside traps and vacuum lines.

The rule went into effect last July for new dental offices that discharge amalgam; however, compliance for most practices will be mandated in July 2020, according to the ADA. The EPA rule applies to offices, dental schools, clinics and large institutions that discharge to publicly owned treatment works. It does not apply to mobile units or certain dental specialty practices.

From Decisions in Dentistry. March 2018;4(3):8.