Reference/Features

Dirty sinks – clarity and waste

Rebecca Waters looks at the guidance on waste dental amalgam from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) – and considers the impact it will have on you and your dental practice

The guidance regarding the safe disposal of waste has been well documented, and guidance from Defra sets out a requirement to reduce the amount of mercury reaching the water supply through the use of amalgam separators, fitted in all dental practices in England. This is supported by the Hazardous Waste Regulations, which came into force in 2005 in England and Wales, and similar regulations in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The disposal of wastes into water systems is known as ‘waste water discharge’ and is subject to conditions and controls set by the UK's 12 water and sewerage undertakers. Healthcare organisations, in particular, carry out a number of activities that do, or have the potential to, result in the discharge of various items and substances to sewerage systems.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Dental Nursing and reading some of our resources. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Up to 2 free articles per month

  • New content available

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here