Safe Disposal of Dental Traps: Protecting the Environment

Dental traps contain a number of environmental contaminants, including amalgam scraps and sludge. Dentists use amalgam for fillings, and when the fillings begin to disintegrate, the traps catch the mercury-laced particles. This waste can raise mercury levels in fish unless it's disposed of properly. Dental traps are either reusable or disposable, but most dental associations advocate against reusable traps because amalgam particles are so difficult to remove and properly discard.

Instructions

• 1

  Remove the disposable dental trap from its chair-side position. Use gloves and be careful to avoid any leaks or spills.

• 2

  Place the trap into the contact amalgam recycling container. Close the lid tightly.

• 3

  Label the container as "dangerous waste mercury" and "toxic" and store the container in a safe place until it's picked up by the recycling company.

• 4

  Contact a company that specializes in amalgam recycling or hazardous waste disposal. They will give you directions for disinfecting, storing and shipping your amalgam.