Protocol for Disposal of Mercury Traps in the Dental Office

According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, dental waste water contains 100-2,000 parts per million (ppm) of dangerous mercury contaminants. Mercury traps, also known as amalgam separators or chair-side traps, that are properly maintained and cleaned or replaced, can reduce high levels of the mercury or amalgam run-off created in the dental office before it contaminates the waste water system for the office. Careful adherence to protocol for removing and disposing of the chair-side traps will help protect the water supply. Removal and disposal of the traps should strictly follow the manufacturers' suggested guidelines.

Things You'll Need

• Protective gloves
• New replacement traps
• Certified contact amalgam recycling container
• Contract with dental amalgam recycler or hazardous waste hauler
• Designated storage area

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Instructions

Disposal Procedure

• 1

  Using protective gloves is a safety precaution for the person changing the traps.

  Collect supplies for the disposal job. Bring the certified contact amalgam recycling container and the replacement traps to the first chair and slip on the protective gloves.

• 2

  Remove the disposable trap from the chair-side receptacle and immediately place it in the certified contact amalgam recycling container. Seal the lid to prevent accidental spillage.

• 3

  Open a replacement trap and reinsert it in the chair-side receptacle, ensuring a proper fit.

• 4

  Red containers marked biohazard should not be used for trap disposal.

  Repeat Steps 2-3 for all dental chair-side traps in the office, using as many certified, contact amalgam recycling containers as necessary to contain all traps.

• 5

  Labels on the contact amalgam containers should clearly indicate "contact" amalgam for the disposal service.

  Clearly label all contact amalgam containers.

• 6

  Follow the specific instructions of your amalgam recycler for the disinfection and shipping of amalgam containers.

• 7

  Store all contact amalgam recycling containers away from office activity until your certified dental amalgam recycler or hazardous waste hauler can pick them up.