Reusable Traps – Remove the trap . Collect amalgam waste from reusable traps over a suitable container , never over a drain or sink , to minimize the risk of release of amalgam to the environment . Place the amalgam in your contact amalgam recycling container . Replace the trap in the chairside unit . DO NOT rinse the trap under running water because this could introduce dental amalgam into the environment .
Refer to OSHA requirements for additional considerations in removing amalgam waste from traps . Extracted Teeth Containing Amalgam PDA recommends handling extracted teeth containing amalgam as follows :
• Confirm that your recycler accepts extracted teeth containing amalgam
• Ask your recycler for specific disinfection requirements for extracted teeth containing amalgam
• If acceptable to your recycler , disinfect extracted teeth with amalgam in glutaraldehyde or 10 % formalin
• Place in contact amalgam recycling container
When handling extracted teeth containing amalgam , make sure you :
• DO NOT place extracted teeth containing amalgam in a medical waste container ( red bag waste ) that uses incineration for final disposal
• DO NOT heat sterilize extracted teeth containing amalgam
• DO NOT use a bleach or chlorine solution to sterilize extracted teeth containing amalgam
Vacuum Pump Filters PDA recommends handling amalgam waste captured in vacuum pump filters as follows :
Disposable Filters – Some recyclers will accept whole filters . In this case , remove the filter . While holding the filter over a tray or other container that can catch any spills , decant as much of the liquid as possible without losing any visible amalgam . Put the lid on the filter and place it in your contact amalgam recycling container . If your recycler does not accept whole filters , follow the directions for handling amalgam from reusable filters below . Once amalgam waste has been removed from the filters , the filters themselves may be handled as infectious waste . However , PDA recommends recycling disposable vacuum pump filters with contact amalgam whenever possible .
Reusable Filters – Remove the filter . While holding the filter over a tray or other container that can catch any spills , decant as much of the liquid as possible without losing any visible amalgam . Collect and place the amalgam in your contact amalgam recycling container . Replace the filter in the vacuum pump . DO NOT rinse the filter under running water because this could introduce dental amalgam into the environment .
Some vendors make plastic , disposable filters that can replace the metal , reusable filters . PDA encourages you to switch to disposable filters if your recycler accepts whole filters .
Refer to OSHA requirements for additional considerations in removing amalgam waste from vacuum pump filters .
13 PDA Waste Management Guidelines