FOR

DENTAL OFFICES

Amalgam

Management
Acknowledgements

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and the University

of Wisconsin Extension thank:

(1) all of the dentists who installed separators for the case

studies,

(2 the Wisconsin Dental Association, and 

(3) the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes

National Program Office, for providing financial assistance

for the production of this booklet. 
The Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) has worked cooperatively with the Wisconsin Department

of Natural Resources, the UW-Extension and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD)

in an effort to utilize federal grant monies to develop information that will be helpful for practicing

dentists who must make important purchasing decisions in light of the recent trend of local

sewerage districts throughout the state to enact amalgam separator mandates on dental practices.

To this end, the WDA worked with these governmental entities to accomplish the following:

• Developed amalgam best management practices and encouraged 

dentists across the state to implement them;

• Hosted workshops and conference seminars highlighting the importance 

of comprehensive amalgam management; and

• Developed a summary of the different types of separators that have already been 

installed in the dental offices of some Milwaukee-area dental offices (Milwaukee,

as you’ll recall, was the first large sewerage district to require amalgam separators).

We hope that this summary will give you a sense of our pioneering dentists’ experiences prior to

purchasing and installing separators in your own practice. We applaud the leadership of those dentists

who volunteered to be the first in the MMSD area to install separators. WDA would like to recognize

their willingness to enter uncharted territories and absorb the costs and challenges of being the

first to install separators without receiving any financial incentives to do so. Those efforts will

continue to benefit their fellow dentists throughout the entire state.

WDA stands firm in our belief that dental waste accounts for less than 1% of the mercury

contamination problem that plagues our lakes and streams. However, it is dentistry’s desire to

be responsible environmental stewards and to do our part in capturing potential wastes before they

enter Wisconsin’s waterways. Hopefully, the coal burning power plants and the contributors of

the other 99% of the problem will rise to the occasion and take ownership of their responsibilities

in a similar fashion.

Sincerely,

Constantine Stamatelakys, DDS

President

Dear Wisconsin Dentists:
The dental profession has always emphasized preventive care. Now, this spirit of prevention

needs to extend to preventing the release of amalgam to the environment.

At dental offices, vacuum systems discharge amalgam to the sewerage system when dentists

place or remove amalgam fillings. Amalgam is typically 50% mercury, by weight. Mercury

pollution has caused the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to issue a statewide fish

consumption advisory. To address mercury in wastewater, the DNR requires sewage treatment

facilities, such as the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, to implement a mercury

minimization program. A primary element of this program is reducing the amount of amalgam

discharged by dental offices. 

Amalgam is an efficient and effective restorative material. Dentists will continue to use it in

the foreseeable future, although its use continues to gradually decline. Even if dentists completely

stopped using amalgam for new fillings, the removal of old amalgam will continue to generate

amalgam waste. In response to the environmental issues related to mercury, the Wisconsin Dental

Association has identified best management practices for amalgam. While important, best

management practices alone are not sufficient to minimize discharges. Amalgam separators are

available from several suppliers and are able to decrease amalgam in wastewater by 95% or more.

In January 2004, the District adopted rules requiring the implementation of best management

practices and, by February 1, 2008, the installation of amalgam separators. 

The purpose of this booklet is to inform dental offices regarding best management practices

and amalgam separators. This booklet contains:

Introduction

A. Best Management Practices for Amalgam

B. Choosing an Amalgam Separator for Your Dental Office

C. Amalgam Separator Case Studies

1. Doctors William and Nicholas Stathas

2. Northridge Dental Center

3. East Towne Dental Associates

4. Doctors Thomas E. Raimann and Richard A. Mueller

5. Doctor Chan D. Tran

6. Burleigh Dental

7. Doctor James Del Balso

8. Doctor James C. Morgenroth

9. Doctor Robert G. Saur

10. Downtown Dental Group

D. Section 11.214, MMSD Rules,

Amalgam Management at Dental Offices.
DO

Use precapsulated alloys and stock a variety of capsule sizes 

Recycle used amalgam capsules

Salvage, store, and recycle non-contact amalgam

(scrap amalgam)

Salvage amalgam pieces from restorations after

removal (contact amalgam) and recycle the amalgam

waste 

Use chair-side traps to retain amalgam and recycle

their contents

Recycle the contents retained by the vacuum pump

filter or other amalgam collection device

Recycle extracted teeth that 

contain amalgam restorations* 

Use disinfectants and line cleaners containing enzymes,

phenols, or quaternary ammonium compounds, since

they tend not to mobilize mercury from amalgam.

RECYCLE AS MUCH AMALGAM 

WASTE AS POSSIBLE 

DO NOT

Use bulk mercury

Put amalgam capsules in biohazard containers,

infectious waste containers (red bags) or regular

garbage

Put non-contact amalgam in biohazard containers,

infectious waste containers (red bags) or regular

garbage

Put contact amalgam in biohazard containers, infectious waste containers (red bags) or regular garbage

Rinse chair-side traps containing amalgam over

sinks or other drains

Rinse vacuum pump filters or other amalgam collection device over sinks or other drains

Put extracted teeth with amalgam restorations in biohazard containers, infectious waste containers (red

bags) or regular garbage

Use line cleaners that contain bleach or 

other chlorine compounds

FLUSH AMALGAM WASTE DOWN A SINK,

TOILET, OR OTHER DRAIN

Best Management 

Practices for Amalgam

*Confirm with your recycler whether it accepts extracted teeth. Disinfect extracted teeth by storing them in an airtight container 

with a solution of glutaraldehyde or 10% formalin until they are removed for recycling with your other amalgam waste.

References:

(1) Wisconsin Dental Association, Recycling Amalgam Waste and Other Best Management Practices for your Dental Office,

www.wda.org/member_benefits/amalgam.htm. 

(2) American Dental Association, Best Management Practices for Amalgam Waste, March 2004; 

www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/topics_amalgamwaste.pdf
Amalgam Capsules

1. Stock amalgam capsules in a variety of sizes

2. After mixing amalgam, place the empty

capsules in a wide-mouthed, airtight, plastic container

that is labeled Amalgam Capsule Waste for

Recycling*

3. Place any non-empty capsules into this container

4. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed at all times

5. When the container is full, send it to a recycler

Non-contact (scrap) Amalgam

1. Place non-contact (scrap) amalgam into a widemouthed, airtight, plastic container that is labeled

Non-contact Amalgam Waste for Recycling*

2. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed at all times

3. When the container is full, send it to a recycler

Disposable Chair-Side Traps

1. Remove the trap and place it into a wide-mouthed, airtight, plastic container labeled Contact Amalgam

Waste for Recycling*

2. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed at all times

3. When the container is full, send it to a recycler

4. If a chair is strictly dedicated to hygiene, then place

the trap into the regular garbage

Reusable Chair-Side Traps

1. Remove the trap and empty the contents into a widemouthed, airtight, plastic container labeled Contact

Amalgam Waste for Recycling*

2. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed at all times

3. When the container is full, send it to a recycler

4. Do NOT rinse the trap under running water

Vacuum Pump Filters

1. Obtain instructions and schedule for filter 

replacement from the manufacturer 

2. Change the filter according to the 

recommended schedule

3. Obtain instructions for handling the used 

filter from your recycler

4. If you are required to decant water from the filter before

recycling, pour the water into a tray or other container

that can catch any spills and pour very carefully to avoid

losing any amalgam.

Line Cleaners

Use disinfectants and line cleaners containing enzymes,

phenols, or quaternary ammonium compounds, since

they tend not to mobilize mercury from amalgam.

Disinfection

Disinfecting amalgam waste for recycling is unnecessary, except for extracted teeth that contain amalgam

restorations. For disinfection, use glutaraldehyde or

10% formalin, rather than bleach. Bleach dissolves

amalgam and releases mercury. Use bleach only if

your recycler accepts the disinfectant solution along

with the amalgam waste. 

Best Management 

Practices for Amalgam Waste 

Always wear safety glasses, a mask, and gloves when handling amalgam 

* Some recyclers allow you to place all amalgam waste, including

capsules, non-contact amalgam, contact amalgam, traps, filters,

and teeth into the same container. If so, you may use one container

labeled Amalgam Waste for Recycling. Follow your recycler’s 

instructions for packaging and shipping amalgam waste.

Reference:

(1) Wisconsin Dental Association, Recycling Amalgam Waste and 

Other Best Management Practices for your Dental Office,

www.wda.org/member_benefits/amalgam.htm.

(2) American Dental Association, Best Management Practices 

for Amalgam Waste, March 2004; 

www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/topics_amalgamwaste.pdf
Choosing an Amalgam 

Separator for Your Dental Office

More and more dentists are considering purchasing

amalgam separator units to decrease the amount of

amalgam in the wastewater leaving their offices.

Although this decision is a positive one for the environment, it is not necessarily an easy one for the dentist. These units differ in terms of capacity, physical

dimensions, amalgam removal process, how captured

amalgam is removed and recycled, how easily they are

serviced and how often, and how much they cost to

buy and operate. Without some guidance, evaluating

amalgam separators can be like comparing apples and

oranges. This guide was designed to help dentists

identify their specific needs and the key aspects of

their office systems that determine which separator

unit(s) will be most suitable for their operations.

Step 1 of this guide is a decision flow sheet. By

answering a series of questions relating to your office

set-up, the dentist is led to an initial list of separator

units that will probably work for his or her office.

These questions include:

• Are your amalgam generating chairs centrally plumbed?

• Does your office have a wet ring or dry vacuum 

pump system? 

• Is the space available for installing a separator 

unit at office grade or below grade?

• Do you need to install the separator ahead of or after

either the wet ring or dry vacuum pump system? 

The dentist’s answer to each of these questions will lead

him or her to an appropriate set of potential separators for

evaluation. The evaluation of these options is conducted

in Step 2 Decision Matrix.

Step 2 of the guide is a matrix that allows a comparison

of the initial list of separator units generated in Step 1,

helping the dentist zero in on which unit(s) is the best

for his or her dental practice. The matrix provides both

qualitative and quantitative comparisons of 15 different

amalgam separator units produced by 11 different companies. The units have been commercially available

since early 2004. It also provides telephone and web

site contact information for each manufacturer.

The evaluation criteria include:

Model Dimensions—shows the height, width and

depth, indicating how much space each unit requires.

Flow Capacity—indicates the number of chairs (anywhere from 1 to 25) that can be serviced by one unit.

Ease of Maintenance—a ranking of 1 to 3 shows the

relative ease of maintenance compared to other units.

Frequency of Maintenance—a ranking of 1 to 3,

along with more specific information where available,

indicates how often amalgam waste must be removed

from the unit.

Recycling Program Included?—indicates whether

the manufacturer provides for an automatic system for

removing and recycling the waste amalgam captured

in the unit.

Purchase Cost—provides both actual cost and a relative

(1 to 3) ranking among units.

O&M Cost—provides a relative ranking of operation

and maintenance costs as well as specific information

where available.

Five-Year System Cost—provides both an estimated

five-year cost (purchase plus O&M costs) and a relative

ranking among units.

After working through the flow sheet (Step 1) and the matrix

(Step 2), the dentist should have a good idea about which unit(s)

is most suitable for his or her specific circumstances. Hopefully,

this exercise will also result in a list of more specific questions

for your dental equipment supplier or the separator manufacturer. Working together with your supplier or manufacturer’s

rep, you should now be sufficiently prepared to

purchase an amalgam separator

unit that will meet your needs

and protect the environment for

many years to come. 

425.SB.0404
Step 1 - Amalgam Separator Selection Flow Sheet

Installation

Factor

Below Grade

H____

W___

L_____

Total: ___sq. in

(H x W x L)

Yes

Amalgam-Generating

Chairs Centrally Plumbed?

Potentially

Suitable Systems

(go to Step 2)

Separator

Location RE:

Vacuum System3

Available

Installation

Space2

Type of Vacuum

System1

After 

air-water

separator 

At Office Grade

(cabinet/closet)

H____

W___

L ____

Total: ___sq. in

(H x W x L)

Dry Vacuum Pump

System?

No

(Check to 

determine 

systems on 

local approved 

equip. lists)

Inline,

ahead of

vacuum

pump

Inline,

ahead of

vacuum

pump

After 

air-water

separator

Inline,

ahead of

vacuum

pump

Below Grade

H____

W___

L_____

Total: ___sq. in

(H x W x L)

Consider Replumbing, OR

Install individual chairside

units (on unit/chair)

1 Dry Systems using simple filtration units (e.g. ASDEX unit) may clog more easily; wet systems using smaller sedimentation devices (e.g. CH 9-12) may fill quickly, lose separator capacity. Wet ring vacuum pump systems generate additional wastewater that may affect performance of smaller capacity units (see capacity ratings in Step 2). 2 Space availability will dictate which systems may be used; offices without basement or within multistory buildings typically require installation at office level/grade. 3 Systems installed after air/water separator must have 120V AC power and/or gravity flow available.

Wet-Ring Vacuum Pump

System?

After 

air-water

separator

After 

air-water

separator

Inline,

ahead of

vacuum

pump

At Office Grade

(cabinet/closet)

H____

W___

L ____

Total: ___sq. in

(H x W x L)

ASDEX AS-9

Amalgam

Collector CH9 or

CH12

120 V AC Power available? 120 V AC Power Available?

Rasch 890-

1000

A/T A1010

Amalgam

Collector 

CH12-24

Amalgam Boss

DRNA BU 10

DRNA BU 30

ECO II

MSS 1000/601

Rebec Catch

400/1000

Solmetex Hg5,

Hg5 Mini

Hg5 HV

Rasch 890-1500

A/T A1010

Amalgam

Collector 

CH12-24

Amalgam Boss

DRNA BU 10

DRNA BU 30

ECO II

MSS 1000/601

Rebec Catch

400/1000

Solmetex Hg5,

Hg5 Mini

Hg5 HV

Rasch 890-1500

Rasch 890-

1000

A/T A1010

Amalgam

Collector 

CH12-24

Amalgam Boss

DRNA BU 10

DRNA BU 30

ECO II

MSS 1000/601

Rebec Catch

400/1000

Solmetex Hg5,

Hg5 Mini

Hg5 HV

Rasch 890-1500

Rasch 890-

6000

Rasch 890-

6000

A/T A1010

Amalgam

Collector 

CH12-24

Amalgam Boss

DRNA BU 10

DRNA BU 30

ECO II

MSS 1000/601

Rebec Catch

400/1000

Solmetex Hg5,

Hg5 Mini

Hg5 HV

Rasch 890-1500

120 V AC Power available? 120 V AC Power Available?

No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes

No

No Vacuum System?

Consult manufacturers 

of inline sedimentation 

systems1
Maximum Separation

Systems

1-800-799-7147

www.amalgamse

parators.com

AB Dental Trends

1-360-354-4722 www.amalgamse

paration.com

M.A.R.S. Biomed

1-866-594-3648

www.marsbiomed.com

Pure Water Systems

1-877-638-2797

www.ecotwo.com

Rebec

1-800-569-1088

www.rebecsolutions.com

Model

Dimensions

(WxLxH in inches)

Flow Capacity 

(# of Chairs)

Ease of

Maintenance

Frequency of

Maintenance

Recycling Program

Included?

Purchase Cost:

Affordable?

O&M Cost:

Affordable?

Estimated Five

Year System Costs 

Total

MSS 1000 MSS 601 Rasch 

890-1500

Rasch 

890-1000

Amalgam Boss ECO II Catch 1000 Catch 400

24x15x

18.5

13x27x11 26x16x10 28x10.25x

12.75

24x12x12 14x9x9 23.5x20x8 14x8x18

2

1-11 chairs

2

1-6 chairs

3

1-12 chairs

2

1-6 chairs

2

1-6 chairs

2

1-8 chairs

2

1-4 chairs

2 2 22 2

2 3

Tank switch 18 months

2

Unit Switchout annually

(assuming 6 chairs)

1

Unit Exchanged annually

3

Annual replacement of 

containment collector

2

available

2

available

2

available

2

available 3

2

$1191

2

$1079

2

$695

1 $1190 (system)

$796 (tank)

2

$695

3

$288 (inc. recycling)

1

$1895

1

$985

2

annual tank replacement

1

new tank required

18 mos @$496

2

Annual unit switchout 

(6 operatories)

1 M2 cleaner pouch 

needed 3/chair/year

@$74.70

2

Annual container replacement

2

$2591 +

labor

2

$2535 +

labor

3

$1932+

labor

2

$2430 + labor

2

$3475+labor

2

$3393 + labor

2

$3475 + labor

2

$2565 + labor

A/T Amalgam

SeparatorAir 

Techniques

1-800-AIRTECH

www.airtechniques.com

The Amalgam Collector

R&D Services

1-800-816-4995 

www.theamalgam

collector.com

Asdex

American Dental

Accessories

1-800-331-7993

DRNA

1-800-360-1001

www.drna.com

SolmeteX

1-508-393-5115

www.solmetex.com

Model

Dimensions

(WxDxH in inches)

Flow Capacity 

(# of Chairs)

Ease of Maintenance

Frequency of Maintenance

Recycling Program

Included?

Purchase Cost:

Affordable?

O&M Cost: Affordable?

Estimated Five Year 

System Costs 

Total

A1010

6.25x10.5x7.5

CH9 or CH12

6x6x9 (12)

CE18 or CE24

6x6x18

8x8x24

AS-9

11.5x3” diam

BU10

8.5x8.5x20

Hg 5 Mini

8x11x21

Hg 5

8x14x29

2

1-8 chairs

1

1-2 chairs

3

6-12 chairs

1

1 chair

2

1-6 chairs

2

1-10 chairs

3

1-10 chairs

1 1 (manually decanted) 2 3 2

221 2 annually 2 annually 2

2 2 

upon request

2

available

3

included

3

(service pack included)

1

$1500 includes 

1 replacement box

2

$515

2

$785-$1,195

3

$199

2

$695

1

$750

2

$750

2 3 2

$79/filter switched

out quarterly

1

switched out

annually $450

2

replace filter 2x/yr

2

$3750 + labor

3

$575 + labor

3

$715-1195

+ labor

3

$1700+ labor

2

$2495 +

labor

2

$2750 + labor

Step 2 - Amalgam Separator Decision Matrix 

Qualitative Ranking System

Note: Ranking System As Follow: 1=Fair 2=Good 3=Better (provided for illustrative purposes; individual weighting of criteria can be adjusted by user)

Information current as of 6/30/06; users are encouraged to contact manufacturers to obtain up-to-date pricing, option, and reference list of dentists operating specific systems.

BU30

13x13x25

3

1-12 chairs

2

1

$1395

1

switched out

annually $650

1

$3895 +

labor

Hg 5 HV

18x22x28

2

1-20 chairs

1

$2500

1

$5000

Rasch 

890-6000

5.5x9x

12.5

2

$666

1

new tank 

2

$2150 +

labor

1

replace 2

filters 2x/yr
Amalgam Separator Case Studies

1 Office of Doctors William and

Nicholas Stathas

2300 North Mayfair Road

Suite 345

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226

414-456-9020 (voice)

414-456-9021 (fax)

Practice type: General 

Office size: 3 Operatories, 1 hygiene only

Building type: High rise

Vacuum system type: Wet

Vacuum system location: Utility closet

Source of supplies: Patterson

Amalgam Separator

Manufacturer: Solmetex

Model: Hg5

Purchase price: $695

Power required: No

Treatment chemicals required: No

Size: 30 inches tall, 14 inches wide, 10 inches deep

Primary reason for selecting model: Ease of installation

Separator Installation

Time between ordering and delivery: 2 weeks

Plumbing contractor: Protel

Installation date: June 3, 2003

Time needed: 1 hour 

Installation cost: $250

Problems encountered during installation: None

Amalgam Recycler

Mercury Waste Solutions

Experience Rating

(scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest)

Maintenance Frequency 5

Clogging Problems 5

Vacuum Issues 5

Reliability 5

Overall Performance 5

Ease of Recycling 5

Other Comments

Great unit, low maintenance. Replace every 6 months.

2 Northridge Dental Center

Doctors John A. Fitch, Eric P. Tesch, and Dale R. Roznik

Dick Quinlan, Office Manager

7906 North 76th Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223

414-354-9020 (voice)

414-354-4420 (fax)

dentalq@msn.com

Practice type: General 

Office size: 7 Operatories, 4 hygiene only

Building type: Two tenant commercial building

Vacuum system type: Wet, dual pump

Vacuum system location: Utility room

Source of supplies: Sullivan-Schein

Amalgam Separator

Manufacturer: Solmetex

Model: Hg5

Purchase price: $649

Power required: No

Treatment chemicals required: No

Size: 26 inches tall, 10 inches wide, 8 inches deep

Primary reason for selecting model: Ease of installation,

ease of filter replacement, adaptable to dual pump vacuum system

Warranty: 2 years

Separator Installation

Time between ordering and delivery: 6 days

Plumbing contractor: Protel

Installation date: January 30, 2004

Time needed: 2.5 hours 

Installation cost: $368

Problems during installation: Connecting the separator to

the dual vacuum pumps required re-routing of the vacuum

lines and water hoses

Amalgam Recycler

Mercury Waste Solutions

Experience Rating

(scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest)

Maintenance Frequency 3

Clogging Problems 5

Vacuum Issues 5

Reliability 5

Overall Performance 5

Ease of Recycling 5

Other Comments

Fills up too quickly.

Before

After

Note: Case Studies were updated in 2006 and include experience evaluations

For Solmetex separators, recycling cost, including freight, are included in the cost of new filters. With the purchase of a new filter, Solmetex provides

pre-addressed, freight-paid containers for the old filter. Replacement filters are $250.
Before

After

3 East Towne Dental Associates

Doctors Vali Kiaie, Jerome Gildner, and Jenny Barry

11501 North Port Washington Road

Mequon, Wisconsin 53092

262-241-8880 (voice)

262-241-5250 (fax)

Practice type: General

Office size: 8 Operatories, 3 hygiene only

Building type: Multi-tenant professional

Vacuum system type: Dry

Vacuum system location: Basement

Source of supplies: Sullivan-Shein

Amalgam Separator

Manufacturer: Air Techniques

Model: A/T A1047

Purchase price: $1,500

Power required: No

Treatment chemicals required: No

Size: 6 inches x 12 inches x 8 inches

Primary reason for selecting model: Small size, fits available space and compatibility with existing equipment

Warranty: 1 year

Separator Installation 

Time between ordering and delivery: 3 weeks

Installation date: January 14, 2004

Time needed: 1 hour

Installation cost: $200

Problems encountered during installation: None

Amalgam Recycler

Bethlehem Apparatus Company

Experience Rating

(scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest)

Maintenance Frequency 3

Clogging Problems 5

Vacuum Issues 5

Reliability 5

Overall Performance 5

Ease of Recycling 5

Other Comments

Once the separator was full, the unit shut down without

any decrease in suction or warning - unit could be larger

for our operation.

The cost of shipping and recycling the first collection container is

included in the purchase price. Air Techniques provides shipping 

containers with replacement collection containers.

4 Office of Doctors Thomas E.

Raimann and Richard A. Mueller

11801 West Janesville Road

Hales Corners, Wisconsin 53130

414-425-1510 (voice)

414-425-7810 (fax)

Practice type: General

Office size: 5 Operatories, 2 hygiene only

Building type: Multi-tenant commercial building

Vacuum system type: Wet

Vacuum system location: Basement

Source of supplies: Patterson or Holt

Amalgam Separator

Manufacturer: Solmetex

Model: Hg5

Purchase price: $695

Power required: No

Treatment chemicals required: No

Size: 30 inches tall, 14 inches wide, 10 inches deep

Primary reason for selecting model: Ease of 

installation, Low cost

Warranty: Two years

Separator Installation

Time between ordering and delivery: 1 week

Plumbing contractor: JM Plumbing

Installation date: March 1, 2004

Time needed: 2 hours

Installation cost: $289

Problems encountered during installation: None

Amalgam Recycler

Mercury Waste Solutions

Experience Rating

(scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest)

Maintenance Frequency 3

Clogging Problems 2

Vacuum Issues 4

Reliability 3

Overall Performance 4

Ease of Recycling 4

Other Comments

Switched to a larger unit which requires 

almost zero maintence. Recommends to 

separate hygiene from dental operations 

if possible.

Although the manufacturer expected the filter replacement frequency to

be every 4 months, the first filter filled in only 1 month. The cause was

a new line cleaner that removed large amounts of residual solids. A subsequent problem was the constant filling of the upper chamber with water.

Increasing the air flow through the separator eventually solved this problem. In response to these problems, Solmetex agreed to supply a new "high

volume" Hg5 at no cost for the device. This device was installed on July

26, 2004. To further reduce the risk of problems, the lines from the hygiene

operatories were redirected around the amalgam separator. A total of

three filters were shipped before the installation of the new separator.
5 Office of Chan D. Tran, DDS

Doctors Chan D. Tran and Loo T. Nguyen 

2387 South 102nd Street

West Allis, Wisconsin 53227

414-329-1171 (voice)

414-329-1018 (fax)

chantran@hotmail.com

Practice type: General

Office size: 5 Operatories, 2 hygiene only

Building type: Multi-tenant professional building

Vacuum system type: Dry

Vacuum system location: Basement

Source of supplies: Dental Health Products

Amalgam Separator

Manufacturer: Solmetex

Model: Hg5

Purchase price: $625

Power required: No

Treatment chemicals required: No

Size: 30 inches x 13 inches x 10 inches

Primary reason for selecting model: Name 

recognition

Warranty: 2 years

Separator Installation

Time between ordering and delivery: 2 days

Plumbing contractor: IHN Plumbing

Installation date: April 9, 2004

Time needed: 3 hours

Installation cost: $305

Problems during installation: None

Amalgam Recycler

Solmetex

Experience Rating

(scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest)

Maintenance Frequency 3

Clogging Problems 5

Vacuum Issues 5

Reliability 4

Overall Performance 4

Ease of Recycling 3

Other Comments

15-20 minutes spent on monthly maintenance.

6 Burleigh Dental

Doctors Monica Hebl and Mike Donohoo

7623 West Burleigh Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53222

414-444-4334 (voice)

414-444-3222 (fax)

hebldds@aol.com

Practice type: General

Office size: 6 Operatories, 0 hygiene only

Building type: Sole occupant

Vacuum system type: Wet

Vacuum system location: Basement

Source of supplies: Holt Dental

Amalgam Separator

Manufacturer: R&D Services

Model: The Amalgam Collector CE24

Purchase price: $1075

Power required: No

Treatment chemicals required: 8 ounces of cold sterilizing

solution once per week through suction line

Size: 10 inches in diameter, 36 inches tall

Primary reason for selecting model: Can see the amount

of collected amalgam. Recycling costs are reduced because

only the collected waste is recycled, not a whole canister.

Larger size takes longer to fill.

Warranty: 1 year

Separator Installation

Time between ordering and delivery: 1 week

Installer: Holt Dental

Installation date: April 26, 2004

Time needed: 30 minutes

Installation cost: $90

Problems during installation: None

Amalgam Recycler

DRNA

Experience Rating

(scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest)

Maintenance Frequency 5

Clogging Problems 5

Vacuum Issues 3

Reliability 5

Overall Performance 5

Ease of Recycling 1

Other Comments

We have to change the separator ourselves. Not a pleasant

job, but saves money. Make sure there’s enough space

and that recycling costs are reasonable.

The collected material is put into the same type of amalgam container

as is used for other recycled amalgam. Removing the amalgam involves

closing valves, draining away the water, opening the unit, and then

removing the collected waste. Although this effort is more than required

by some other units, being able to see the amount of waste collected

maximizes time between shipments and recycling just the waste, rather

than a whole canister or cartridge, minimizes costs.

Before After
7 Del Balso Dental

Doctor James Del Balso

2300 North Mayfair Road

Suite 1040

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226

414-774-4222 (voice)

414-774-5007 (fax)

delbalsodental@delbalso.com

www.delbalso.com

Practice type: General 

Office size: 4 Operatories, 2 hygiene only

Building type: High rise

Vacuum system type: Wet

Vacuum system location: Utility closet

Source of supplies: Holt Dental

Amalgam Separator

Manufacturer: Rebec

Model: Catch 400

Purchase price: $985

Power required: No

Treatment chemicals required: No

Size: 14 inches by 8 inches by 8 inches

Reasons for selecting model: High quality construction,

low maintenance, need to replace the collection container

only once per year

Separator Installation

Time between ordering and delivery: 5 days

Plumbing contractor: J&M Plumbing

Installation date: April 27, 2004

Time needed: 40 minutes 

Installation cost: $108

Work included testing the cross connection control device

Problems encountered during installation: None

Amalgam Recycler

Rebec

Experience Rating

(scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest)

Maintenance Frequency 5

Clogging Problems 5

Vacuum Issues 5

Reliability 5

Overall Performance 5

Ease of Recycling 5

Other Comments

Totally benign effect on operations. I spend 10 minutes 

per year on maintaince. Well built.

Recycling cost, including freight, is included in the cost of collection

containers. With the purchase of a new container, Rebec provides a preaddressed, freight-paid container for the old container. Replacement

containers are $385.

8James C. Morgenroth, D.D.S.

2500 North Mayfair Road

Suite 345

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226

414-257-2010 (voice)

414-257-2009 (fax)

jmroth@execpc.com

Practice type: General 

Office size: 3 operatories, 1 hygiene only

Building type: Professional building

Vacuum system type: Wet

Vacuum system location: Utility closet

Source of supplies: Holt Dental

Amalgam Separator

Manufacturer: Metasys Pure Water

Model: ECO II

Purchase price: $650

Power required: No

Treatment chemicals required: No

Size: 8 inches by 8 inches by 13 inches

Reasons for selecting model: Ease of installation, different

from other models already installed by the case-study group

Separator Installation

Time between ordering and delivery: 1 week

Plumbing contractor: Holt Dental

Installation date: June 1, 2004

Time needed: 45 minutes 

Installation cost: $140

Problems encountered during installation: None

Amalgam Recycler

Pure Water Development

Experience Rating

(scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest)

Maintenance Frequency 5

Clogging Problems 5

Vacuum Issues 4

Reliability 5

Overall Performance 4

Ease of Recycling 4

Other Comments

5 minutes per month spent on maintenance. Do 

your research on suitable units and don’t worry.

Recycling cost, including freight, is included in the cost of collection

containers. With the purchase of a new container, a pre-addressed, freightpaid shipping box for the old container is provided. Replacement containers are $128. The cost of recycling the first container was included

in the purchase price.

Before After
9 Office of Robert G. Saur, D.D.S.

Doctors Robert G. Saur and Sam Binninger

12690 West North Avenue

Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005

262-785-1499 (voice)

262-785-0282 (fax)

Practice type: General 

Office size: 4 operatories, 2 hygiene only

Building type: Multi-tenant commercial building

Vacuum system type: Dry

Vacuum system location: Basement

Source of supplies: Patterson

Amalgam Separator

Manufacturer: Rebec

Model: 400 Series

Purchase price: $900

Power required: No

Treatment chemicals required: No

Size: 14 inches wide, 18 inches high, 8 inches deep

Reasons for selecting model: Recommended by Patterson

Warranty: 2 years

Separator Installation 

Time between ordering and delivery: 3 weeks

Plumbing contractor: J&M Plumbing

Installation date: June 19, 2004 

Installation cost: $1,595

Problems encountered during installation: None

Amalgam Recycler

Rebec Solutions

Experience Rating

(scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest)

Maintenance Frequency 5

Clogging Problems 5

Vacuum Issues 5

Reliability 5

Overall Performance 5

Ease of Recycling 3

Other Comments

Staff changes separator, heavy and gross to take out but

saves us money. Unit hasn’t impacted office operations.

10 Downtown Dental Group

Doctor Michael Costello

161 West Wisconsin Avenue

Suite 5036

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203

414-278-6070 (voice)

414-278-6087 (fax)

ddg161@sbcglobal.net

www.bettersmiling.com

Practice type: General 

Office size: 7 operatories, none are hygiene only

Building type: High-rise mixed use building

Vacuum system type: Wet

Vacuum system location: Utility closet in office suite

Source of supplies: Patterson

Amalgam Separator

Manufacturer: Rebec

Model: Catch Hg 1000 Series

Purchase price: $1,000

Power required: No

Treatment chemicals required: No

Size: 22 inches by 23.5 inches by 9 inches

Reasons for selecting model: Wanted to try a model different from the other case studies 

Warranty: See www.rebecsolutions.com/warranty.html

Separator Installation 

Time between ordering and delivery: 2 weeks

Plumbing contractor: Schoof Plumbing

Installation date: May 2004

Time needed: 4 hours 

Installation cost: $350 (labor) + $50 (other) = $400

Problems encountered during installation: None

Amalgam Recycler

Envirotech Systems

Experience Rating

(scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest)

Maintenance Frequency 5

Clogging Problems 5

Vacuum Issues 5

Reliability 5

Overall Performance 5

Ease of Recycling 5

Other Comments

Dentists should not be concerned,

once installated it’s hassle free.

Before After
Milwaukee Metropolitan

Sewerage District Rules*

11.214 Amalgam Management at Dental Offices

(1) This section applies to any dental office that places or removes amalgam. If work in a dental office is limited to work

that does not involve placing or removing amalgam, such as orthodontics, periodontics, oral and maxillo-facial

surgery, endodontics, or prosthodontics, then this section does not apply.

(2) All dental offices shall implement best management practices for amalgam as established by the Wisconsin Dental

Association.

(3) Within the shortest reasonable time, but not later than February 1, 2008, every vacuum system where amalgam is

placed or removed shall include an amalgam separator that meets the criteria of the International Standards

Organization (ISO 11143). Dental offices shall install, operate, and maintain the amalgam separator according to

instructions provided by the manufacturer. The amalgam separator shall have a design and capacity appropriate for

the size and type of vacuum system. 

(4) On or before February 1, 2005, each dental office shall submit a report that certifies the implementation of the management practices required by sub. (2) and identifies the contractors used to remove amalgam waste within the last

twelve months. 

(5) On or before February 1, 2006, each dental office shall provide a schedule for the installation of the amalgam separator required by sub. (3). 

(6) On or before February 1, 2007, each dental office shall provide a report providing the following information. 

(a) If installation of the amalgam separator is complete, then the report shall identify the installation date, the manufacturer, and the model name.

(b) If installation of the amalgam separator is incomplete, then the report shall briefly explain the delay, provide an

installation schedule, and identify the manufacturer and the model name of the amalgam separator that will be

installed.

(7) If a dental office has provided a report according to sub. (6)(b), then the dental office shall notify the District of the

completion of installation within five days after completion. 

(8) The District shall provide forms for reporting the information required by subs. (4), (5), (6), and (7). 

(9) From the contractors used to remove amalgam waste, dental offices

shall obtain records for each shipment showing: the volume or mass of

amalgam waste shipped; the name and address of the destination; and

the name and address of the contractor. Dental offices shall maintain

these records for a minimum of five years. Dental offices shall make

these records available to the District for inspection and copying upon

request from the District.

(10) Dental offices shall allow the District to inspect the vacuum system,

amalgam separator, and amalgam waste storage areas. 

(11) Inspections shall occur during the normal operating schedule of the

dental office. The District shall inspect dental offices according to

appointments made in advance, as long as this advanced notice does

not impede enforcement of this section.

(12) If a dental office is implementing the management practices required

by sub. (2) and is operating and maintaining the amalgam separator

required by sub. (3), then any numerical discharge limit for mercury

established in any other section of this chapter does not apply. 

* Other sewage districts may have alternative implementation schedules depending upon their

Wisconsin DNR discharge permit. Check with your local sewerage district for details.
For more information, contact:

UW-Extension Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center

161 W. Wisconsin Avenue Suite 6000

Milwaukee, WI 53203

ph: 414-227-3160 fax: 414-227-3165

www.uwex.edu/shwec

University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating

UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA

425.SB.0609 (Revised)

Before - Burleigh Dental After - Burleigh Dental