- What are The European Union (Mercury) Regulations 2018
- Who enforces these regulations?
- Who monitors compliance?
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 separators and ensure that their amalgam waste are handled and collected by authorised waste management specialists.
Who enforces these regulations?
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),
- Revenue Commissioners,
- Dental Council of Ireland
- Local Authorities.
Who monitors compliance?
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).
The Dental Council of Ireland has drawn up a Code of Practice booklet for the Dentistry Profession
All Mercury waste is to be disposed of by using the services of an authorised waste collector.
A public search facility is available on the National Waste Collection Permit Office using EWC 06 04 04.
Please ensure to retain all documentation on file for inspection purposes
Further information
For more information phone the environment section at 057 866 4000 or email environmentadmin@laoiscoco.ie