MassDEP Dental Amalgam/Mercury Recycling Program

October 2021

MassDEP finalized amendments to 310 CMR 73.00. The revisions exempt dental facilities that certify annually or biennially to local publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) with EPA-approved pretreatment programs from duplicative MassDEP amalgam separator equipment certification requirements and fees.

• 310 CMR 73.00: Final Dental Amalgam Mercury Recycling Amendments (showing changes)
• MassDEP Response to Comment
• Background Document

June 2021

All Massachusetts dental facilities and practices regulated under 310 CMR 73.00 are again subject to all normal program compliance requirements and deadlines. MassDEP enforcement discretion guidance on filing dental amalgam separator certifications during the COVID-19 pandemic no longer applies.

MassDEP requires Massachusetts dental practices or facilities that place or remove mercury amalgam fillings to:

• Install amalgam separator systems that remove at least 98 percent of amalgam waste containing mercury (using the ISO 11143 protocol or an equivalent method) and serve all dental chairs where amalgam waste is generated.
• Maintain and operate amalgam separator systems according to manufacturer specifications.
• Use only biodegradable disinfectants and non-corrosive, non-oxidizing cleaners in vacuum system lines and drains connected to amalgam separators.
• Recycle all mercury-containing amalgam wastes they generate.
• Inform staff about the procedures for handling waste amalgam and ensure that at least one employee is familiar with separator system operation and maintenance.
• Keep records of separator system maintenance and service, as well as amalgam waste shipments, to document compliance with program requirements.
• Submit a compliance certification form to MassDEP within 60 days of initial separator system installation and by March 31 of every even-numbered year thereafter.

See the regulations and best practices in Additional Resources below for more specific information.

To safely recycle dental amalgam waste that contains mercury:

• Accumulate and store it in an air-tight container with a secure lid until you have collected enough for shipment to a reclamation facility or recycler.
• Send it directly to a recycling facility that has obtained the proper environmental approvals in the state where it is located. MassDEP can confirm the compliance status of Massachusetts facilities.
• You may use a common carrier (e.g., U.S. Postal Service, UPS, FedEx, or other shipping company) to transport amalgam waste.

The following companies accept dental amalgam waste for recycling.

Updated October 2020

The MassDEP Dental Amalgam/Mercury Recycling program applies to dental practices or facilities that place or remove mercury amalgam fillings. Typically, these are general dentistry and endodontics offices. 

Offices that perform oral or maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, or periodontics are generally not subject to these regulations unless they also place or remove mercury amalgam fillings.

Complete and submit this form to MassDEP within 60 days of taking ownership of a dental facility.

You may fill out and save the Microsoft Word form on your computer. The PDF version has to be printed out and completed by hand.