Our practice has been taking part in the Dentists For Cleaner Water project. This is an initiative to promote the installation and use of amalgam separators in dental practices. Amalgam separators trap amalgam scraps to prevent them from entering our waterways. This can reduce the amount of amalgam in wastewater by 95%. Over 700 Victorian practices are part of the Dentists Fro Cleaner Water project.
Dental amalgam contains mercury, a substance that can damage the environment and have adverse effects on human health. Mercury currently enters our waterways from many places including commercial and industrial premises and households.
Authorised waste companies collect the amalgam scraps and take them to be recycled.
You can learn more about the initiative here.