Tools to keep dental mercury out of wastewater
Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District requires area dental clinics to report their amalgam-related activities annually. We also provide a variety of dental clinic training and resources on responsible amalgam management that area clinics can use to help minimize mercury pollution.
Required reporting | Training presentations | Amalgam management posters
Please reach out to a pollution prevention specialist with any questions about required reporting or training materials.
Required reporting for dental clinics
One-time compliance report
Under EPA’s dental effluent rule, Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Dental Office Category (“Dental Amalgam Rule”), 40 CFR 441.50, dental dischargers (see applicability FAQ) are required to complete and submit a one-time compliance report within 90 days of opening. The District is the control authority for our service area.
New clinics in this area should use the One-Time Compliance Report for Dental Clinics form to complete this requirement within 90 days of beginning operations.
Transfer of ownership
Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Dental Office Category (“Dental Amalgam Rule”), 40 CFR 441.50, also requires that clinics file a new compliance report within 90 days of a transfer of ownership. If you have assumed ownership of an existing clinic in the area, submit the Transfer of Owner form within 90 days of beginning operations.
Annual certification
The District’s Sewer Use Ordinance, Section 7.1, outlines requirements for dental clinics in the service area, including the requirement to report annually, using forms provided by the District.
Dental clinics within the District’s service area must complete amalgam certification via an online form each year to certify that they are managing amalgam waste according to local requirements. The certification form is typically emailed to one address for each clinic. The District typically mails a letter to clinics once a year to notify the reporting schedule.
- Watch a video tutorial with instructions on completing the annual amalgam certification form.
- Open the written guide with instructions for accessing and completing the annual amalgam certification form.
Amalgam management resources
Dental clinic Amalgam Management Posters
To help minimize mercury-containing amalgam discharges to the sewer system, the District created posters as a quick reference for dental clinic staff when disposing of amalgam waste and inspecting amalgam separators.
Managing amalgam waste in the clinic identifies types of amalgam waste and how to properly collect and dispose of this waste. Display this poster in an area where amalgam waste is stored, such as a storeroom.
Inspecting your amalgam separator includes steps to follow when visually checking your Solmetex-brand separator to ensure it’s functioning properly. Display this poster near your separator
Additional resources
- The EPA requires that dental clinics maintain records of amalgam separator inspections, replacements and repairs. Use this example log or develop your own system to meet this requirement.
- Dane County Clean Sweep has a waste collection program for businesses that qualify as very small quantity generators (VSQGs) of hazardous waste, including amalgam and non-controlled pharmaceuticals.
- Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and UW-Extension produced a guide to amalgam management for dental offices.
- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers its Table of Common Wastes in Healthcare, which includes disposal recommendations for various types of waste.
- If you are building or opening a new dental clinic, contact the District’s pretreatment coordinator early in the development process to evaluate the need for a permit.
