Tools to keep dental mercury out of wastewater
The District provides a variety of dental clinic training and resources on responsible amalgam management that area dental clinics can use to help minimize mercury pollution. The District also requires area clinics to report their amalgam-related activities annually.
Dental clinic staff training resources
These resources help dental clinic staff learn about amalgam management requirements and practices to minimize pollution. The presentations are intended for those involved in handling and disposing of amalgam waste; they can be an introduction for staff new to amalgam management or a refresher for staff already experienced in working with amalgam.
Mercury, amalgam and wastewater
Background on mercury pollution and why the District regulates amalgam waste.
Amalgam requirements for dental clinics
Overview of local and federal amalgam management requirements and descriptions of each required best management practice.
Reporting requirements, tools and other resources
Summary of EPA and District amalgam reporting requirements, an overview of the District’s annual certification process and other recommended pollution prevention practices for dental clinics.
Dental clinic Amalgam Management Posters
To help minimize mercury-containing amalgam discharges to the sewer system, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District created posters as a quick reference for dental clinic staff when disposing of amalgam waste and inspecting amalgam separators.
Managing amalgam waste in the clinic identifies types of amalgam waste and how to properly collect and dispose of this waste. Display this poster in an area where amalgam waste is stored, such as a storeroom.
Inspecting your amalgam separator includes steps to follow when visually checking your Solmetex-brand separator to ensure it’s functioning properly. Display this poster near your separator
Certification forms
Annual online amalgam certification form
Dental clinics within the District’s service area must complete this form each year to certify that they are managing amalgam waste according to local requirements. The District uses an online form and emails each clinic the information needed to access this form each year. If your clinic does not receive an email with this information or you need assistance with the form, contact our Pollution Prevention team.
Resources for annual certification form completion
Online amalgam certification video demonstration
A video tutorial on completing the District’s annual online amalgam certification form.
Online amalgam certification instruction guide
A written guide for accessing and completing the annual amalgam certification form.
EPA compliance forms
The EPA also requires information from all clinics that discharge amalgam waste into sewer systems. Under the EPA dental effluent rule, clinics are required to send a one-time compliance report to their local control authority.
- If your clinic is new in the District’s service area, submit the one-time compliance form to the District within 90 days of beginning operations.
- If you have assumed ownership of an existing clinic in the area, submit this transfer form within 90 days of beginning operations.
Additional resources
- The EPA requires that dental clinics maintain records of amalgam separator inspections, replacements and repairs. Use this example log or develop your own system to meet this requirement.
- Dane County Clean Sweep has a waste collection program for businesses that qualify as very small quantity generators (VSQGs) of hazardous waste, including amalgam and non-controlled pharmaceuticals.
- Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and UW-Extension produced a guide to amalgam management for dental offices.
- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers its Table of Common Wastes in Healthcare, which includes disposal recommendations for various types of waste.
- If you are building or opening a new dental clinic, contact the District’s pretreatment coordinator early in the development process to evaluate the need for a permit.
