Dental amalgam waste can be recycled to help prevent the release of mercury to the environment.

There are different types of amalgam waste:

o New-contact amalgam (scrap) – excess mix leftover at the end of the procedure. Many recyclers will buy this.
o Chair side traps – capture amalgam during placement and removal procedures.
o Vacuum pump filters – traps contain amalgam sludge and water. Some recyclers will accept the entire filter, others require special handling.
o Amalgam sludge - mixture of liquid and sold material collected in vacuum pump filters and other capture devices.
o Empty amalgam capsules – individually dosed containers left over after mixing.

Tips for recycling:

o Stock different size amalgam capsules to lesson amount of waste generated.
o Always use personal protective equipment when handling amalgam wastes.
o Contact an amalgam waste recycler. Check with your local waste authority to see if there is a amalgam waste recycling program.
o Store waste in a covered plastic container labeled appropriately or as directed by your recycler.

For up to date information on amalgan issues visit the American Dental Association's website http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/amalgam.asp

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