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Infection Control · single question

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable way to handle scrap dental amalgam?

  1. Recycling it through a licensed amalgam waste recycler
  2. Discarding it in the red-bag biohazard waste
  3. Capturing it with chairside traps and an ISO 11143 amalgam separator
  4. Verifying that traps are clean and intact before each use
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Correct answer: B. Discarding it in the red-bag biohazard waste

  • A. Recycling through a licensed handler is the required disposal pathway under the EPA Dental Office Category rule.
  • B. CORRECT — this is the unacceptable route. Amalgam is a HAZARDOUS (toxic, mercury-containing) waste, not a biohazardous waste. Red-bag waste is typically incinerated, which volatilizes elemental mercury straight into the atmosphere. Scrap amalgam must be stored dry in a labelled, sealed, air-tight container and sent to a licensed recycler.
  • C. Chairside traps plus an amalgam separator meeting ISO 11143 are mandated for practices placing or removing amalgam.
  • D. Inspecting and maintaining traps is routine good practice and part of the separator maintenance log.

Note: Do not put amalgam in: biohazard bags, sharps containers, regular trash, or down the drain. Also do not use bleach or chlorine-containing line cleaners with a separator, since they dissolve mercury and defeat the capture.

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