EPA Prepares to Make Dental Offices Use Amalgam Separators

Last week we underwent a site survey from DRNA in preparation of having them install an amalgam separator. We have agreed to be part of a pilot study for the company. It's something we'd been considering for a while, as it fits in with the aspect of being green and we've been trying to embrace that more and more.

Then, yesterday I read this news report from Environmental News Service. Which indicates that "The agency announced today that it will propose a rule to reduce mercury waste from dental offices in 2011. The rule, expected to be finalized in 2012, will require dentists to use of mercury separating technology by 2014."

So it looks like this is going to be a hot button in the months to come. They are currently required in 12 states, but without a federal law, installations in other states is just a tad higher than 10%.

I've been impressed so far with DRNA and I really like their system which is a turnkey solution. Basically you are on an automatic recycling schedule. They send you an annual amalgam separator recycling kit which takes your contaminated filter and sends it to an EPA certified facility and provide you want another kit that lasts for another year.