What is the EPA Amalgam Rule?
Effective July 14, 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency passed a final rule regarding amalgam waste. The goal was to promote technology-based pretreatment standards provided by the Clean Water Act in order to minimize discharges of mercury from dental establishments into publicly owned treatment works (POTWs).
Who needs to comply?
As of July 14, 2020, all dental offices must comply with all standards outlined by the rule.
Rare exceptions from this rule include oral pathologists, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics.
According to the EPA, compliance with this rule will effectively decrease the discharge of mercury into POTWs by 5.1 tons, while also reducing the discharge of other metals associated with dental amalgam by 5.3 tons.
What do you need in order to comply?
In order to keep compliant with the new amalgam rule, dental offices must use amalgam separators and best management practices outlined by the American Dental Association (ADA). Amalgam separators must achieve a minimum 95% removal efficiency, in accordance with EPA requirements.
DRNA offers industry-leading solutions, including amalgam separators, at a fraction of the price of other big-name brands. DRNA amalgam separators satisfy all local, state, and federal regulations for amalgam disposal and recycling. Furthermore, they are tested to ISO 11143:2008 standard.
Amalgam Separator and Cartridges
DRNA’s Amalgam Separator and its Generic Cartridge 1 satisfy all local, state, and federal regulations for amalgam disposal and recycling. Furthermore, they are tested to ISO 11143:2008 standard.
- DRNA Generic cartridges 1 is compatible with the Solmetex® Hg5® Legacy1 unit and can be installed on both wet and dry vacuums
- EPA regulation requires cartridge replacement every year or once sediment reaches the fill line.
- On-demand pick-up, recycling, and documentation included!
Scrap Amalgam Handling, Collection, and Recycling
DRNA’s all-inclusive amalgam recycling service ensures that your office is able to effectively manage all materials that fall under the category of “scrap amalgam.”
- Amalgam recycling kits come in 1.25 gallon, 2.5 gallons, or 5-gallon sizes
- Amalgam Recycling Mail-back kit includes prepaid return label and all required compliance documentation
- All amalgam wastes are recycled at an EPA-certified facility here in the United States.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Record-Keeping
All of DRNA’s products and services are supported by clear and accurate monitoring, reporting, and record-keeping in order to establish and evidence compliance. Dedicated monitoring and enforcement is conducted by publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), local to your establishment.
- Adherence to all BMP’s and recycling of all scrap amalgam.
- Canisters, cartridges, or separator units are recycled in a timely manner, per the manufacturer’s requirements
How do I get started?
Contact us today and one of our specialists will review your current situation and help you get everything you need to comply.