Item 4 (d): Waste

On behalf of the FDI World Dental Federation, the International Association for Dental Research, and the International Dental Manufacturers - we thank the Chair for this opportunity to intervene.

Waste management is a critical component of the Minamata Convention on Mercury to eliminate mercury from the environment. It is important to note that regardless of when dental amalgam is phased down or phased out, amalgam separators would still be needed as current amalgam restorations may be repaired or replaced. Yet, waste management continues to be a last consideration not the first in discussing dental amalgam. We call on Parties to institute a three-part approach:

Mandate, not an optional provision, for effective amalgam capture at source - Require the installation, operation, and maintenance of certified amalgam separators in all dental facilities connected to sewerage or on-site sanitation and incorporate this requirement into licensing and inspection regimes. This has been put into effect in countries within North America and Europe.

Adopt national regulations with key performance measures that compel contracts with licensed collectors and mercury recyclers, with cradle-to-grave documentation. Partnerships with waste collectors need to be developed to ensure that waste is efficiently collected, treated, and effectively retrieved for sequestering.

Invest in and prioritize funding for waste management. Waste management should be mandatory, and it is about time that countries invest in waste management.