European Union (Mercury) Regulations 2018:
The European Union (Mercury) Regulations 2018 as transposed into Irish Law (S.I. No. 533/2018) provides for the reduction in the amount of mercury used in many sectors, including dentistry.
From 1st January 2019, all dental facilities dealing with dental amalgam must be equipped with amalgam seperators and ensure that their amalgam waste are handled and collected by authorised waste management specialists.
Due to the wide-ranging nature of the said Mercury Regulations, they are enforced by a number of bodies including The Environment Protection Agency (EPA), the Revenue Commissioners, the Dental Council of Ireland and Local Authorities.
Local Authorities are the Competent Authority appointed for monitoring compliance requirements for dental facilities and handling of amalgam waste under Regulation 4.(1) and 4.(2) of S.I. No. 533 of 2018.
4.(1) Each local authority shall monitor compliance by operators of dental facilities situated within its functional area with the obligation in Article 10(4).
4.(2) Each local authority shall monitor compliance by dental practitioners situated within its functional area with the obligations in Article 10(6).
All Mercury waste is to be disposed of by using the services of an authorised waste collector.