Massachusetts Dental Mercury Amalgam Recycling Program CARROTS AND STICKS

What’s the problem? 1996 Mercury Emission Inventory (NEGC/ECP): Dental facilities are a significant source of mercury in wastewater Massachusetts: Dental facilities release a total of about 330 pounds of mercury each year (in wastewater and solids) Municipal wastewater treatment plants are not designed to address mercury, so it ends up in sludge. Sludge is typically incinerated or applied to land, releasing mercury into the environment.

Massachusetts Milestones: 2000 MOU with Mass. Dental Society investigation of amalgam separator systems January 2004: voluntary program to encourage installation of amalgam separators July 2004: started to develop regulations for a mandatory program

Voluntary Program/Requirements Install an amalgam separator with 95% removal efficiency (ISO protocol 11143) Operate and maintain the separator as per manufacturer instructions Collect and recycle all waste mercury amalgam Clean lines with non-oxidizing/biodegradable cleaner Keep records showing compliance with requirements

Voluntary Program/Eligibility Dentists who generate more than insignificant amounts of waste mercury amalgam: general dentists, pediatric dentists and endodontists Estimate 3600 dentists eligible Not Included: oral surgeons, periodontists and orthodontists

Voluntary Program/Incentives Year 1 participants (by 1/30/05) won’t need to meet stricter regulatory requirements or pay DEP fees until 2010 If half of the eligible dentists participate in Year 1, voluntary program will be extended for an additional year Year 2 participants (by 1/30/06) won’t need to meet stricter regulatory requirements or pay DEP fees until 2007

Voluntary Program/Results Year 1: 1667 dental practices certified 2661 dentists are practicing in these facilities Since 74% of eligible dentists joined in Year 1, voluntary program was extended for Year 2 (through January 2006)

Regulations Goal: extend and maintain significant reductions of Hg in wastewater Developing with advice from a stakeholder workgroup

Regulations (Proposed)/What’s Different? Amalgam separators: 98% removal efficiency File certification with DEP every 5 years Pay fee (estimate $500) with each certification All dentists who generate more than incidental amounts of waste mercury amalgam MUST participate

Next Steps Complete Year 2 of the voluntary program Public comment on draft regulations Final regulations promulgated by February 1, 2006 (goal)