To control the amount of mercury entering the environment, dental offices are required to have an amalgam separator. Learn more about the different options for your practice.

What Is an Amalgam Separator?

Amalgam separators filter out amalgam particles from wastewater, preventing them from passing into the sewage system. Methods include filtration, centrifugation, ion exchange technology sedimentation or a combination of these solutions. Amalgam separators can be used for various kinds of scrap waste, including:

• Extracted amalgam fillings
• Chairside traps
• Vacuum pump filters
• Used amalgam capsules

Some components, like chairside traps, should be cleaned with a non-bleach or non-chlorine solution before disposal. From here, the amalgam separator contains the waste until it is collected by a recycler or sent to a recycling facility designed to process these metals.

Compliance

As of July 2017, dental offices that handle amalgam materials are expected to have a collection, separation and recycling system in place, according to Environmental Protection Association (EPA) regulation ISO 11143. Practices had up to July 2020 to purchase and begin using an amalgam separator. Any new dental practices must have an ISO 11143-compliant amalgam separator to begin serving patients.

Practices with amalgam separators not meeting the EPA’s guidelines (specifically, the system must be able to hold onto 95% of mercury and other metals present) have 10 years to replace or upgrade their device.

DuraPro Health offers amalgam separators that comply with the pretreatment standard for new and existing offices. Standards include:

1. Install and properly maintain an amalgam separator that is ISO 11143 certified to meet at least 95% reduction of total mercury.

2. Implement the following best management practices to prevent mercury discharges that may bypass amalgam separators. This includes not using a line cleaner with a pH above 8 or lower than 6, not discharging waste to a publicly owned treatment works center, and replacing and recycling amalgam separator cartridges.

As you open or upgrade your practice, browse DuraPro Health for an amalgam separator that meets your needs. We support each purchase with white glove delivery, installation, a warranty and a network of expert service technicians.