Best Management Practices 

For Dental Offices 

In New Hampshire 

 

 

Tips For Reducing Hazardous, Universal, and Solid Wastes 

Prepared by 

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services 

Pollution Prevention Program 

and the 

New Hampshire Dental Society

 

 

NHDES-WMD-2001 

Best Management Practices 

For Dental Offices 

In New Hampshire 

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services 

Waste Management Division 

Planning Bureau 

6 Hazen Drive 

Concord, NH 03301 

George Dana Bisbee 

Assistant Commissioner 

Philip J. O’Brien, Ph.D, Director, Waste Management Division 

Harry. T. Stewart, P.E., Director, Water Division 

Kenneth Colburn, Director, Air Resources Division 

Jeanne Shaheen 

Governor 

Executive Councilors: 

Raymond S. Burton 

Thomas Colantuono 

Ruth L. Griffin 

Peter J. Spaulding 

David K. Wheeler 

January 2002 

Printed on Recycled Paper 

Table of Contents 

Introduction & Acknowledgement ..................................................................................................1 

A Suggestion....................................................................................................................................1 

Notification Requirements...............................................................................................................2 

What is Pollution Prevention? ........................................................................................................2 

Section I: Hazardous Wastes in the Dental Office

Mercury............................................................................................................................................3 

Silver................................................................................................................................................3 

Lead..................................................................................................................................................3 

Section II. Recommended Dental Office Wastes and Handling Procedures

Amalgam (Containing Mercury and Silver) ................................................................................... 4 

Mercury-Free Amalgam: A Case Study ..........................................................................................4 

Amalgam Capsules ..........................................................................................................................5 

Waste Amalgam...............................................................................................................................5 

Chairside Traps ................................................................................................................................6 

Disposable & Reusable Amalgam Traps .........................................................................................6 

Disposable Amalgam Traps.............................................................................................................7 

Reusable Amalgam Traps................................................................................................................7 

Cleaning the Amalgam Trap............................................................................................................7 

Vacuum Pump Filters ......................................................................................................................7 

Amalgam Separators........................................................................................................................8 

Plumbing Replacement and Repairs ................................................................................................9 

Mercury Containing Lamps & Devices ...........................................................................................9 

Mercury Containing Lamp Handling Procedures..........................................................................10 

Used X-Ray Fixer Solution (Containing Silver) ...........................................................................11 

X-Ray Developer ...........................................................................................................................11 

Lead Foils, Shields and Aprons .....................................................................................................11 

Chemiclave/Chemical Sterilant Solutions .....................................................................................12 

Disinfectants, Cleaners & Other Chemicals ..................................................................................12 

Section III: Other Wastes

Blood..............................................................................................................................................13 

Sharps.............................................................................................................................................13 

Office Waste ..................................................................................................................................13 

Computer Waste.............................................................................................................................13 

Appendices:

Dental Amalgam Recycling Facilities 

NH Resources for Information & Assistance 

Amalgam Separator & Technology Vendors 

Bibliography 

 1 

Introduction and Acknowledgements 

The Department of Environmental Services (DES), Pollution Prevention Program (NHPPP) 

received a Pollution Prevention Incentives for States (PPIS) grant to work with New 

Hampshire’s dentists to promote good waste management techniques and to reduce hazardous 

wastes. This publication was paid for in part by a grant from EPA Region 1. 

We thank the New Hampshire Dental Society (NHDS) for assisting NHPPP in every phase of the 

NH Dental Project. The partnership between DES and NHDS (the partnership) has helped to 

promote the proper management and recycling of mercury-containing wastes and x-ray wastes in 

dental offices (including compliance with environmental laws and regulations) and encourage 

the use of non-mercury amalgams. 

NHPPP would also like to express our thanks to the National Wildlife Federation’s Northeast 

Natural Resource Center and to the Vermont Dental Society for permission to draw on their 

guide “The Environmentally Responsible Dental Office: A Guide to Proper Waste Management 

in Dental Offices” as a foundation for this document. The laminated inserts are intended to be a 

“quick reference” guide to dental wastes. These can be posted on bulletin boards, cabinets, or 

walls for dental hygienists and office staff. 

In May 2001, a mercury reduction survey was included in the NHDS newsletter. This survey 

was sent to approximately 950 NH dentists. As of June 1, NHPPP received 395 completed 

surveys. The partnership evaluated the level of awareness and degree of mercury amalgam use, 

recycling, and disposal among NH dentists. The survey data has been complied and analyzed to 

determine the best method of outreach for the partnership to use. This document reflects the 

summarized survey results. 

A Suggestion 

The information provided in this document is intended to give only a very basic idea 

of the rules, regulations, and management options which must be considered by dental 

offices in order to be in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations. 

While every attempt has been made to make this document accurate and 

comprehensive, the fact remains that its format requires some information to be 

excluded and simplified. We strongly urge you to contact the appropriate DES 

program to provide copies of the actual rules and regulations referred to in this document to 

insure that you are in compliance. 

An “official” hard copy of all NHDES-related rules may be obtained from the NHDES Public 

Information and Permitting Office at (603) 271-2975 or by visiting http://www.des.state.nh.us.
 2 

Notification Requirements 

All generators of hazardous waste in New Hampshire must have an EPA ID 

number. To obtain an ID number, fill out a Hazardous Waste Activity 

Notification Form, and return it to RIMS or call DES’s Reporting Information 

and Management Section (RIMS) office for a temporary ID number. For more 

information contact (603) 271-2921 or (603) 271-2901. 

The notification form must be processed prior to conducting hazardous waste 

activity. You are also required to use this form to notify DES of any changes to your original 

notification, i.e. company name, street address of generating site, company ownership, property 

ownership, type and description of regulated activity and estimated quantity of waste generated. 

A Hazardous Waste Activity Notification Form is a legal document used to notify DES of a 

company's hazardous waste activity or to update information that DES has on file for a 

company. 

Dental office waste may include amalgam from fillings, lead foils from shields, and silver from 

x-ray solutions which fall under precious metals rule or if they are sent for recycle. 

Env-808.01 Precious Metals: “Recyclable materials utilized for precious metal recovery” means 

recyclable materials that are reclaimed to recover economically significant amounts of gold, 

silver, platinum, palladium, irradium, rhodium, ruthenium, or any combination of these. 

Env-808.02 Generator Requirements: Persons who generate recyclable materials that are 

regulated under Env-Wm 808 shall be subject to the following DES requirements: 

a) Notification requirements of Env-Wm #500 (requirements for hazardous waste 

generators) and 

b) Manifest requirements of Env-Wm 500. 

What is Pollution Prevention? 

Pollution Prevention (P2) means the use of materials, processes, or practices that reduce 

or eliminate the creation of pollutants or wastes at the source, or minimize their release 

into the environment prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. Stated more simply, P2 

avoids or minimizes generation of waste from the start. P2 also avoids the transfer of 

pollutants or wastes from one medium (such as air, water or land) to another. 

The benefits of pollution prevention in the dental offices and elsewhere are many. They include 

but are not limited to: 

• Lowered waste management and disposal costs 

• Reduced chemical purchases 

• Enhanced company image 

• Lower liability risks 

• Healthier work place 

Wastes from dental offices may include such toxics as amalgam scrap containing mercury and 

silver, scrap from zinc-based cements, x-ray fixer solution containing silver, and x-ray developer. 
 3 

Section I 

Hazardous Wastes in the Dental Office

 Mercury

Mercury is highly toxic to humans and wildlife. It accumulates in the 

tissues of fish and other organisms inhabiting mercury-contaminated 

waters and builds up in the tissues of organisms higher up the food chain, 

including humans. In humans, mercury is toxic to the nervous system, 

affecting the brain, spinal cord, kidneys and liver. Mercury exposure is 

particularly significant for young children and pregnant women because 

mercury inhibits the development of the brain and the nervous system. 

Lowered cognitive abilities, impaired hearing, and poor coordination are some of the effects seen 

in children with elevated mercury exposure. 

Mercury also adversely affects wildlife. Eagles, osprey, common loons, 

river otters, mink, and other fish-eating animals may suffer premature death, 

weight loss, difficulties reproducing, and other problems as a result of eating 

mercury-contaminated fish. 

Silver 

Silver is usually recovered from silver ores by roasting the ore in a furnace 

to convert the sulfides to sulfates and then chemically precipitating 

metallic silver. Several metallurgical processes are used to extract silver 

from ores of other metals. In the amalgamation process, liquid mercury,

which forms an amalgam with the silver, is added to the crushed ore. After 

the amalgam is washed out of the ore, the mercury is removed by 

distillation, leaving metallic silver. In lixiviation methods the silver is dissolved in a solution of a 

salt, usually sodium cyanide, after which metallic silver is precipitated by bringing the solution 

in contact with metallic zinc or aluminum.

Lead 

Lead taken internally in any of its forms is highly toxic; the effects are 

usually felt after it has accumulated in the body over a period of time. The 

symptoms of lead poisoning are anemia, weakness, constipation, colic, 

palsy, and often a paralysis of the wrists and ankles. Flaking lead-based 

paints and toys made from lead compounds are considered serious hazards 

for children. Children are especially at hazard from lead, even at levels 

once thought safe. Lead can reduce intelligence, delay motor development, impair memory, and 

cause hearing problems and troubles in balance. In adults, one lead hazard at levels once thought 

safe is that of increased blood pressure. Present-day treatment of lead poisoning includes the 

administration of calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacidic acid, or EDTA, a chelating agent; 

lead is removed from the body by displacing the calcium in EDTA and forming a stable complex 

that is excreted in the urine.
 4 

Section II 

Recommended Dental Office Waste Handling Procedures

Amalgam (Containing Mercury and Silver)

• Use amalgam substitutes (plastic or porcelin composites) where they are appropriate, 

ethical, and economically feasible. 

• Convert to single use amalgam capsules. This change will help to minimize the chance of 

an accidental mercury spill. 

• Recycle as much amalgam as possible. Place all scrap amalgam in containers labeled 

“WASTE AMALGAM” for recycling. 

• Mercury spill kits are available from a number of sources, including: companies that 

specialize in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance 

supplies and equipment, amalgam recyclers, and dental product suppliers. Before 

purchasing a kit, make sure it comes with complete instructions on how to perform a spill 

clean-up. Train several staff members in proper spill clean-up procedures. 

• DO NOT put scrap amalgam in the sharps container or where it will end up in the red 

biohazard bag. 

• DO NOT discard scrap amalgam down the drain. Mercury and amalgam particles should 

be kept out of the drain and trash. They should be collected and stored in airtight 

containers, and recycled to the maximum extent possible. 

• DO NOT remove excess amalgam from the amalgam well with the high-speed suction 

(the vacuum line). 

• DO NOT place extracted teeth with amalgam restorations in the red biohazard bag. They 

should be placed in the CONTACT AMALGAM container. Use universal precautions 

when handling extracted teeth (glasses, gloves, and mask). 

Mercury-Free Amalgam: A Case Study 

Five years ago, Dr. David Bloom, a Salem, NH dentist, began using new, plastic resins for filling his

patients’ cavities. Plastic resins have been under development for about ten years, and recently a

practical formulation been found that adheres to both enamel and dentin of the tooth. As a result, Dr.

Bloom has now completely eliminated the use of amalgam in his practice. 

By using plastic resins, the generation of mercury wastes is avoided, and Dr. Bloom has eliminated the

costs of managing and disposing of amalgam as a hazardous waste. Furthermore, Dr. Bloom’s

patients prefer plastic resins because the plastic can be tinted to match the color of the tooth, making

the filling invisible. More importantly, plastic resins adhere through a chemical bond to the surface of

the tooth, so their application requires a much smaller size hole to be drilled in the tooth. 
 5 

Amalgam Capsules 

• After mixing amalgam, the empty amalgam capsules containing no visible 

amalgam may be disposed of in the garbage. 

• Any defective capsules that cannot be emptied should be placed with the noncontact scrap amalgam so they can be recycled. Be sure to check with your 

amalgam recycler to see if they will take capsules with your scrap amalgam. 

• Salvage and store all contact and non-contact scrap amalgam in separate, appropriately 

labeled, tightly closed containers. 

• Recycle scrap amalgam through an amalgam recycler. 

Waste Amalgam 

Scrap amalgam, both contact and non-contact, should not be treated as medical waste. Amalgam 

that is improperly put into red biohazard bags might either be incinerated or autoclaved. If 

amalgam is present in waste that is incinerated, the mercury will volatilize and enter the 

atmosphere. The volatilized mercury then precipitates to the ground or waterbody. If amalgam is 

present in waste that is autoclaved, the volatilized mercury will escape from the autoclave when 

the door is opened, presenting an immediate health hazard to dental office staff. 

• Salvage and store all waste amalgam in an air tight, closed container labeled “WASTE 

AMALGAM.” 

• Recycle waste amalgam through an amalgam recycler. 

• Follow the requirements of your amalgam recycler for the storage, disinfection, and 

shipping of waste amalgam. 

• If waste amalgam must be disinfected before shipment to your recycler, DO NOT use any 

method that utilizes heat. The heat will cause the mercury to volatilize and be released 

into the environment. 

• DO NOT store waste amalgam in used radiographic fixer, because this fixer is considered 

hazardous waste and will result in the waste amalgam being considered a hazardous 

waste. 

• If you store waste amalgam under water, or other liquid, DO NOT decant the liquid down 

the drain. 
 6 

Chairside Traps 

Amalgam that is rinsed down the drains or escapes from poorly maintained chairside traps and 

vacuum pump filters enters the wastewater stream and, eventually, the wastewater treatment 

plant or septic system. Any mercury contained in treated wastewater will either end up in the 

sewage sludge, which may be land applied (incinerated), or in liquid effluent discharged into 

lakes and rivers. Any mercury discharged to a septic system will eventually contaminate the 

groundwater. 

Disposable amalgam traps are preferable to reusable traps because of the difficulty in effectively 

removing amalgam particles from the trap without spilling them into the drain or garbage. 

Disposable and Reusable Amalgam Traps 

• Be sure to check with your dental amalgam recycler to determine if they will accept 

disposable amalgam traps in the same container with your contact amalgam. 

• When your recyclable amalgam container is full, contact your amalgam or mercury 

recycler for collection. Be sure you understand your recycler’s requirements for 

packaging and acceptability. 

• Change amalgam traps at least once a week, or as recommended by the manufacturer of 

the equipment. Turn off high volume evacuation system before changing the amalgam 

trap from the chair side dental unit. 

• DO NOT clean reusable traps under running water or discharge the trapped amalgam into 

the wastewater system. 

• DO NOT discharge the trapped amalgam into the sharps container, biohazard bag, or 

trash. 

• Change the chairside amalgam traps as often as necessary. 

• Flush the vacuum system with disinfecting line solution before changing the chairside 

trap. The best method is to flush the line at the end of the day, and then change the trap 

the next morning before the suction is used. This method will allow particles in the trap 

to dry. 

Facilities that use reusable traps should avoid the discharge of visible scrap amalgam down the 

drain as much as possible, by removing it away from the drain, using appropriate protective 

equipment. Facilities should store the scrap in an airtight container, and as required by the 

recycler or waste hauler. Never rinse amalgam traps over the drain or discard into the trash. 
 7 

Disposable Amalgam Traps 

• Open the chairside dental unit to expose the amalgam trap. 

• Remove the amalgam trap and place it directly into the waste amalgam recycling 

container. You will need to have a waste amalgam container that is large enough to 

accommodate the disposable chairside traps. 

• If the trap is visually clean, it can be put in the trash or re-used. Visually clean traps have 

been determined to be non-hazardous. A heavily contaminated trap should always be 

recycled. Store contaminated traps in the waste amalgam container. 

Reusable Amalgam Traps 

• Remove non-amalgam fragments such as cement from the trap with cotton forceps and 

discard in the garbage. Remove all visable amalgam by tapping the contents into the 

container labeled “WASTE AMALGAM.” Close the cover tightly.

• DO NOT clean resusable traps under running waste or discharge the trapped amalgam 

into the wastewater.

• DO NOT discharge the trapped amalgam into the sharps container, biohazard bag, or 

trash.

Cleaning the Amalgam Trap 

• With gloved hand, remove the amalgam trap from the chair side dental unit. 

• Place amalgam trap on the palm of the gloved hand. 

• Pull the cuff of the glove over the amalgam trap and off the fingers, inverting the glove 

and catching the amalgam trap inside. 

• Tie a knot in the glove to secure the trap. 

• Dispose of the gloved amalgam trap in the amalgam collector and secure the lid firmly. 

Vacuum Pump Filters 

Secondary vacuum pump filters should be changed periodically in accordance with the 

manufacturer’s recommendations (in general, once a month). Used filters may contain amalgam. 

If they contain amalgam, you may be able to include used filters in the same container with your 

recyclable amalgam. Contact your manufacturer or your recycler. 
 8 

• Replace vacuum pump filters regularly as recommended by the equipment manufacturer. 

• Remove the filter. While holding it over a tray or other container that can catch spills, 

decant as much liquid as possible without losing visible amalgam. The decanted, 

amalgam-free, liquid can be rinsed down the drain. 

• Put the lid on the filter and place it in the box in which it was originally shipped. When 

the box is full, the filters should be recycled. Be sure to check with your amalgam 

recycler to ensure that they will take these filters. 

• DO NOT dispose of the vacuum pump filters as medical waste. 

Amalgam Separators 

Your office may wish to consider purchasing an amalgam separator. The ability of an amalgam 

separator to remove amalgam from the dental wastewater may be superior to filters and traps 

used in chairside dental units and vacuum lines. These separator systems are used to capture 

scrap amalgam too fine to be removed by a trap or screen from the wastewater. 

Amalgam separators are used in Europe and are currently being evaluated in selected areas of the 

United States. 

If you decide you want to purchase an amalgam separator, be prepared to shop around for the 

equipment that works best for you. These separators vary widely in sophistication and 

effectiveness. The following criteria should help you select the right system. 

• You may want to consider a unit that is “hands-off,” meaning that the dentist or staff does 

not have to perform a series of manual operations, or be required to handle and change 

filters. 

• The captured amalgam should be recycled. Make sure that the company, which sold you 

the unit, arranges for the recycling of the captured amalgam. The company needs to 

provide you with the appropriate information on how to recycle the captured amalgam. 

Keep records and receipts of all amalgam sent to recyclers, including name, date, 

quantity, and address of recycler. 

• Simplicity of design is a plus. There will be fewer chances for something to go wrong. 

• The unit should operate quietly. 

• The unit should come with a “fail-safe” mechanism that protects you from a spill or backup in the event that a blockage occurs. 

• The unit should be installed centrally so that the wastewater, from all suction lines, passes 

through it before discharging into the sewer system. 
 9 

• Obtain information from the companies on the total cost for all services, including cost of 

the unit over a 5-10 year period, before making a decision. 

Plumbing Replacement and Repairs 

After your office adopts its new amalgam management practices, it may be a 

good time to replace sink traps. Mercury from past practices often settles at low 

points such as sink traps and sumps and, because mercury may amalgamate to 

the metal, its removal by cleaning may be impossible. The slow dilution of the 

mercury in a sink trap or sump can release mercury into the wastewater for 

years after past disposal practices have been corrected. 

• Whenever plumbing parts are removed or cleaned, caution should be taken to avoid 

spilling the contents in case amalgam or mercury are present. 

• Pour and brush out the sludge and handle as you would handle contact amalgam. 

Mercury Containing Lamps and Devices 

A number of lamps and devices contain mercury, such as fluorescent and HID lamps, 

thermostats, thermometers, switches, and relays. This mercury poses a severe hazard to human 

health or the environment when improperly managed. 

Waste mercury-containing lamps and devices may not be disposed of as a solid waste unless they 

are below regulatory limits for mercury when subjected to a toxicity test required by EPA and 

DES. Most fluorescent and HID lamps, and mercury containing devices, including thermostats, 

exceed the hazardous waste regulatory limit for mercury toxicity of 0.2 milligrams per liter and 

all fluorescent lamps contain mercury in spite of manufacturer “non-hazardous” claims. 

If spent fluorescent bulbs are discarded into ordinary trash, they may eventually be incinerated or 

placed in a landfill. If they end up in a landfill, soil and/or water contamination may result. Only 

newer, lined landfills are outfitted with leachate collection systems. Leachate results from the 

normal decomposition of the garbage in landfills. The collected leachate is piped to the local 

publicly owned treatment works (POTW), where it can be released to the environment through 

ways described under “wastewater” above. 

• Waste mercury-containing lamps and devices may be handled under DES’s universal 

waste rules, adopted October 13, 2001. DES strongly recommends recycling as the 

preferred option and will promote the recycling and proper management of waste 

mercury-containing lamps and devices as Universal Wastes. 

• Under the Universal Waste Rule, hazardous waste generators are not required to include 

universal wastes in their calculation of generator status. Universal wastes, when 

recycled, are also not subject to the generator fees. Handlers are not required to use a 

licensed hazardous waste hauler to transport universal waste and are not required to 
 10 

complete a hazardous waste manifest. Universal waste generators and handlers must keep 

written records to track universal wastes, generally a Bill of Lading. 

• “Low mercury” lamps still contain mercury and may be rejected by your solid waste 

facility. Recycle all lamps under Universal Waste Rules regardless of their designation. 

Mercury-Containing Lamp Handling Procedures 

• Store used intact lamps in the same boxes that new lamps were shipped in or other boxes 

of similar size, or a fiber drum. 

• Ensure containers are sturdy, without holes, rips or tears. 

• Ensure containers are stable (to prevent tipping over). 

• Fluorescent tube lamps should be stored upright. 

• Use box spacers between lamps to prevent breakage. 

• Do not pack too many lamps into a container; the pressure could lead to breakage. 

• Do not store too few lamps in a container unless there is enough packing material to 

prevent breakage. 

• Do not tape lamps together. Many recycling facilities will not accept lamps which have 

been taped together. 

• Label drums: “Handle With Care/Fragile” (in addition to identifying the contents as 

required by DES’s policy). 

• Store boxes in a designated storage location away from high traffic areas. 

• Do not over stack. Stack filled boxes no wider than five across with each row 

perpendicular to the ones below it. Stacks should be no higher than five feet so lamps on 

the bottom are not crushed by the weight. 

• Avoid storing cardboard boxes and drums outside where they will be exposed to 

moisture. Use plastic containers if lamps must be stored outside. 

• Do not store lamps in a metal drum because this can lead to breakage. 

• Seal boxes with tape as soon as they’re filled. 

Cardboard boxes and fiber drums can be ordered from a lamp recycling facility, through a 

catalog, or purchased from carton distributors (see “Boxes” in the Yellow Pages). 
 11 

The NHDES Fact-Sheet WMD-HW-7, “Waste Mercury-Containing Lamps: Management 

Requirements for Handlers and Transporters” may be obtained by calling (603) 271-2975 or 

by visiting www.des.state.nh.us/factsheets/hw/hw-7.htm. 

Used X-Ray Fixer Solution (Containing Silver) 

Used fixer solution, left over from x-ray processing, is considered a hazardous 

waste because of its high silver content. The silver in used fixer should be 

reclaimed off-site by another company, handled by a hazardous waste management 

firm, or reclaimed in-house. Reclaiming the silver in used fixer conserves a 

valuable resource and reduces your business liability. Many relcaimers will pay to 

take your silver. Suitable recycling methods for used fixer include: 

• Used fixer can be self-transported by a dentist to a silver reclamation facility that is 

licensed to accept hazardous waste, or shipped by a hazardous waste hauler for disposal. 

• Purchase your own silver recovery unit. Before purchase, check with your local publicly 

owned treatment works (POTW) to ensure that the level of silver removal meets the 

POTW’s discharge standards. If it does, you may rinse the recovery process waste down 

the drain. 

• DO NOT wash the liquid that has gone through the silver recovery process down the 

drain if your dental office is on a septic system. Silver-bearing wastes, including x-ray 

fixer, should not be discarded to the sewer unless they are first treated in a proper silver 

recovery system. Otherwise, fixer should be taken off-site for treatment and disposal. 

X-Ray Developer 

• Check with your POTW to determine if x-ray developer can be flushed down the drain. 

• DO NOT mix x-ray developer and used x-ray fixer. The silver-laden used x-ray fixer is 

considered hazardous waste and cannot be flushed down the drain. Developer solutions 

may only be discharged to the sewer if it has not been mixed with fixer. 

• Dentists who are not connected to a sewer system should have their developer removed 

by a hazardous waste hauler for proper disposal. 

Lead Foils, Shields, & Aprons 

Lead foils, shields, and aprons are considered hazardous waste unless they are recycled for their 

scrap metal content. If the material is recycled, it must go to a licensed recycling facility and 

records and receipts must be kept. Companies that recycle amalgam or fixer may also accept lead 

waste. Remember to get documentation from the company handling your lead waste confirming 

that the waste has been disposed of properly. 

• Dispose of lead foils, shields, and aprons through a hazardous waste hauler. 
 12 

• Store all spent lead-acid batteries on an acid-resistant surface, under cover, away from 

flammable liquids, ignition sources, and drains. 

• DO NOT put the lead foil that shields x-ray film, protective lead shields, and lead aprons 

into the trash or into biohazard bags. The lead content of these makes them hazardous 

waste. 

Chemiclave/Chemical Sterilant Solutions 

Spent chemiclave solution is the liquid left over from the chemical sterilization of dental 

instruments. This used solution is an ignitable waste because it contains more than 24% alcohol 

and has a flashpoint below 140F. 

• Dilute the spent chemiclave solution with at least 4 parts of water (4 parts water to one 

part chemiclave solution) or more before discharging down the drain. 

• DO NOT wash the chemiclave solution down the drain undiluted, or put in the garbage.

Disinfectants, Cleaners, and other Chemicals 

Alcohols, ethers, and peroxides are considered ignitable and must not be discarded 

down the drain because they could explode. These materials are considered to be 

hazardous waste. Unused products should be disposed of through a hazardous waste 

hauler. 

• Follow the label directions on the product container for guidance on the proper 

handling and disposal of used disinfectants and cleaners, along with the 

residue remaining in the product containers. 

• Recycle the empty container through your local program or dispose of it in the trash. 

• DO NOT put a cleaning solution, disinfectant or any other waste into a septic system, 

regardless of its concentration. It may disrupt the proper functioning of the septic system. 

• Alcohols, ethers, and peroxides are considered ignitable and must not be discarded down 

the drain. These materials are considered to be hazardous waste. 

• DO NOT put an undiluted cleaning solution, disinfectant or any other process chemical 

into a septic system. 
 13 

Section III 

Other Wastes

Blood 

Swabs or dressings that are bloody and dripping may be disposed if with the 

normal refuse if you generate less than 50 lbs per month. Otherwise, this material 

needs to be treated as biomedical waste. 

Sharps 

Needles, scalpels, reamers, broaches, and other sharp objects that could cause a 

punture wound should NOT be placed in the garbage EVEN IF THEY ARE 

STERILIZED. This type of waste should be placed in a puncture-proof container. 

Disposal should be through a biomedical waste service. 

Office Waste 

Although office waste is usually not hazardous, we wish to remind you that aluminum, glass, 

newspaper, corrugated cardboard, and office paper can easily be recycled through your garbage 

hauler or recycling center. 

Computer Waste 

In the past, computers have often ended up at the landfill or the incinerator, where 

they diminish valuable landfill capacity and create the potential for releasing 

harmful constituents to the environment through leachate and emissions. The 

cathode ray tubes (CRTs) in monitors and televisions contain 5-8 lbs of lead in the 

tube and computer components in general contain a significant, and diverse, 

number of materials, such as mercury and plastics, many of which are not easily 

recycled. 

Consumers invariably will replace their old equipment with new purchases, even if there is no 

real need to replace the unit. The cost of these items is at an all time low and the economy 

relatively good; both factors tend to create greater wastes regardless of the material. Since an 

estimated 1⁄2 to 2/3 of obsolete units are still in storage, people will gradually move them out as 

their values diminish. It is easy to see why our local transfer station will see more electronics 

coming through the door. 
 14 

• Consider upgrading and reusing perfectly good parts as opposed to new purchases. 

• Review your electronics vendor. Contact DES to assess their permit status (if needed) and 

check their compliance status (603) 271-2925. Secondly, know and approve of the final 

destination of these materials. Since low costs may mean the units are exported, ensure 

that the destination is one of recycling. 

• Do not break CRTs to reduce volume. They're under intense pressure and injury could 

easily follow. A typical monitor (from a computer or TV) may weigh at least 70 lbs and 

occupy significant space in your municipal facility. Indeed, the very bulk of these items 

have created problems for municipal employees due to back strain and injuries due to 

dropping. 

• If the transfer facility receives units that are "higher end" (usually pentium class) and in 

good shape, consider donations such as the Governor's "Computers in School Program" 

(271-1098), local churches and non-profits organizations. 

There are numerous vendor lists available. Contact DES at 271-1749 for more information or 

visit the website at www.des.state.nh.us. Finally, EPA published a great report titled "Analysis of 

Five Community Consumer/Residential Collections of End of Life Electronic and Electrical 

Equipment". Visit their web site at www.epa.gov/region01/programs to download a copy. 

Other Helpful Links: 

Need more information on computers? Try these resources for background and vendors. This 

list is evolving so check back regularly or even send your suggestions to cway@des.state.nh.us. 

None of the links suggested constitute an endorsement by the DES. 
 15 
 16 
 17 

List of Appendices 

I. Dental Amalgam Recycling Facilities 

II. New Hampshire Resources for Information & Assistance 

III. Amalgam Separator Costs & Technology Vendors 

IV. Bibliography 
 18 
Dental Amalgam Recycling Facilities 

Northeast Region

 Company Information Type of Waste Accepted 

Advanced Environmental Recycling Co. (AERC) 

2591 Mitchell Ave 

Allentown, PA 18103 

1-800-554-2372 

www.aerc-mti.com/ 

Amalgams, Lamps, Batteries, Other 

Bethlehem Apparatus Co. Inc. 

Resource Recovery and Recycling Division 

890 Front Street, PO Box Y 

Hallertown, PA 18055 

610-838-7034 

610-838-6333 Fax 

Amalgams, Lamps, Batteries, Other 

Clean Harbors, Inc. 

Braintree MA 

781-849-1800 

www.cleanharbors.com/ 

Amalgams, Lamps, Batteries, Other 

Dental Recycling North America, Inc. 

Po Box 1069 

Hackensack, NJ 07601 

1-800-525-3793 

www.drn.com 

Amalgams 

Dorell Refinery

533 Atlantic Ave 

Freeport, NY 11520 

1-800-645-2794 

Amalgams 

EnviroChem

21821 Industrial Blvd 

Rogers, MN 55374 

612-428-4002 

Amalgams 

Garfield Refining

810 E. Cayuga 

Philadelphia, PA 19124-3892 

1-800-523-0968x300 

Amalgams 

Global Recycling Technologies, Inc. 

218 Canton Street 

Stoughton, MA 02072 

781-341-6080 

www.grtonline.com 

Amalgams 

Recyclights

401 W. 86th Street 

Bloomington, MN 55420-2707 

1-800-831-2852 

www.recyclights.com 

Amalgams, Lamps, Batteries, Other 

Safety Kleen

221 Sutton Street 

North Andover, MA 

978-685-2121 

Amalgams, Lamps, Batteries, Other 

Superior Special Services

PO Box 556 

Port Washington, WI 53074-0556 

1-800-556-5267 

Amalgams, Lamps, Batteries, Other 

This is not a complete list of all recycling facilities available, nor does it imply endorsement from the New Hampshire 

Department of Environmental Services. May 2001 

New Hampshire Resources for Information & Assistance 

New Hampshire Pollution Prevention Program 

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services 

Waste Management Bureau 

6 Hazen Drive 

Concord, NH 03301 

Phone: 1(800) 273-9469 or (603) 271-6460 Fax: (603) 271-2456 

E-mail: nhppp@des.state.nh.us Website: http://www.des.state.nh.us/nhppp

Provides confidential, non-regulatory multi-media waste reduction assistance for businesses, 

maintains an in-house pollution prevention technology library, and serves as a clearinghouse for 

researching waste reduction information. 

New Hampshire Dental Society 

23 South State Street, PO Box 2229 

Concord, NH 03302-2229

Phone: (603) 225-5961 Fax: (603) 226-4880 

E-mail: nhds@nhdental.com Website: http://www.nhdental.com/ 

The purpose of the New Hampshire Dental Society is to assist its members in providing and 

promoting the highest levels of oral health care for the citizens they serve, to disseminate 

knowledge pertaining to the advancement of health. As an organized body, the New Hampshire 

Dental Society encourages its individual members to be collectively effective with the issues that 

confront them and serves as an advocate for the advancement of the profession. 

New Hampshire Small Business Development Center 

Sylvia Trotter Hall 

Rivier College 

420 Main Street 

Nashua, NH 03060 

Andrea O’Brien 

Phone: (603) 897-8484 

E-mail: aob@cisunix.unh.edu

Small Business Technical Assistance Program 

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services 

Air Resources Division 

6 Hazen Drive 

Concord, NH 03301 

Rudy Cartier (Ombudsman) 

Phone: 1(800) 837-0656 or (603) 271-1379 Fax: (603) 271-1381 

E-mail: rcartier@des.state.nh.us or stap@des.state.nh.us

Clean Air Act compliance and technical assistance. Features Small Business Ombudsman, 

regulatory research, site visits, and permitting assistance. 
New Hampshire Source Reduction and Recycling Program 

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services 

Waste Management Bureau 

6 Hazen Drive 

Concord, NH 03301 

Mark Morgan 

Phone: (603) 271-3712 Fax: (603) 271-2456 

E-mail: mmorgan@des.state.nh.us Webpage: http://www.des.state.nh.us/pcas/

Assistance for municipalities for solid waste reduction and recycling. Features solid waste 

tracking policy information and workshops. 

OSHA Consultation Program 

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services 

6 Hazen Drive 

Concord, NH 03301 

Theresa Ferrara/Brenda Clark 

Phone: (603) 271-4676 Fax: (603) 271-2667 

E-mail: tferrara@dhhs.state.nh.us bclark@dhhs@state.nh.us

Website: http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/

Provides free assistance for business with less than 150 employees. Helps businesses 

determine/correct workplace hazards and works to create programs to ensure a safe and healthy 

workplace. 

WasteCap Resource Conservation Network (ReCoN) of New Hampshire 

122 N. Main Street 

Concord, NH 03301 

Barbara Bernstein 

Phone: (603) 224-5388 Fax: (603) 224-2872 

E-mail: recoinfo@wastecapnh.org Website: http://www.wastecapnh.org

Helps businesses save money and conserve natural resources by providing free, confidential 

assistance in reducing solid waste, conserving energy and water, and preventing pollution. 

New Hampshire Industrial Pre-Treatment Program 

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services 

6 Hazen Drive 

Concord, NH 03301 

George Carlson 

Phone: (603) 271-2052 Fax: (603) 271-4128 

E-mail: gcarlson@des.state.nh.us 

Wastewater and water pollution assistance program for businesses. Features regulatory and 

pollution prevention assistance and site visits. 

Chairside Vendor Purchase Install Maintenance Monthly Fee 

Trap DRNA $125 $50 $20 $10 

Filter & Trap Avprox $225 $50 $20 $30 

 

Central 

Vacuum 

Vendor Purchase Install Maintenance Monthly Fee 

Settlement DRNA N/A $250 $20 $100 

Settlement Rebec 2000 $1,895 $250 $20 $30 

Filters Avprox $225 $50 $20 $30 

Ion Capture 

(Gravity) 

DRNA N/A $250 $20 $150 

Ion Capture 

(Gravity) 

Rebec 2000 

Gold 

$2,495 $250 $20 $60 

Ion Capture 

(Gravity) 

Solmetex Hg5 $595 $300 $20 $50 

Ion Capture 

(Pumped) 

Solmetex 

Hg10 

$6,500 $1,300 $40 $100 

Ion Capture 

(Pumped) 

Solmotex 

Hg20 

$7,500 $1,500 $40 $100 

This is not a complete list of all recycling facilities available, nor does it imply endorsement from the New 

Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. December 2001 

Note: Costs are approximate. Contact vendors for site-specific quotes. 

Avprox Rebec 

2201 4th St. North Suite C PO Box 1069 

St. Petersburg, FL 33704 Hackensack, NJ 07601 

(727) 823-6609 (800) 360-1001 

DRNA Solmetex 

PO Box 1069 29 Cook Street 

Hackensack, NJ 07601 Billerica, MA 01821 

(800) 360-1001 (978) 262-9890 

Amalgam Separator Costs & Technology Vendors 

Bibliography 

The following documents were used in the development of this booklet: 

• Dentistry and the Environment, Massachusetts Waste Resources Authority, January 

1998. 

• The Environmental Guide for Dentistry, Maine Department of Environmental 

Protection, April 2000. 

• The Environmentally Responsible Dental Office: A Guide to Proper Waste Management 

in Dental Offices, Northeast Natural Resouce Center of the National Wildlife Federation 

and the Vermont State Dental Society, June 1999.