Amalgam may be found in your mouth, but it’s not a product by Wrigley. Specifically, it’s an alloy of mercury and other metals (often silver) that’s used in tooth fillings. Here’s where you might find it:
- Extracted teeth
- Empty amalgam capsules
- Broken or unused amalgam capsules
- Scrap amalgam
Since discarded amalgam can contain silver or mercury--and therefore qualify as hazardous waste--it makes good business and environmental sense to recycle or remove amalgam from your waste streams. Most dental offices already have procedures in place to recycle it.
To learn about federal environmental regulations pertaining to amalgam disposal, continue on through this section of the virtual tour.