Advice · 4 min read · Updated 6 November 2026
Is dental amalgam being banned in the UK? The 2034 phase-out explained
The rules that already apply
The UK has been phasing down amalgam for several years under mercury rules originally from the EU and retained in UK law. These already shape how practices use and dispose of amalgam.
In Great Britain these rules sit in retained mercury legislation, while Northern Ireland follows the EU mercury regulation under the Windsor Framework. In practice, the day-to-day requirements on separators, capsules and waste are very similar across the UK.
- Since July 2018, amalgam should not be used for deciduous teeth, children under 15, or pregnant or breastfeeding patients unless the dentist considers it strictly necessary for specific medical needs
- Since January 2019, amalgam must only be used in pre-dosed encapsulated form, not mixed from bulk mercury
- Since January 2019, practices using or removing amalgam must have an amalgam separator
- Since January 2021, all separators in use must retain at least 95 percent of amalgam particles
- Amalgam waste must be collected by an authorised hazardous waste carrier
What happened in the EU and Northern Ireland
The EU revised its mercury regulation to ban the use of dental amalgam from 1 January 2025, with limited exceptions where a dentist judges it strictly necessary for specific medical needs. Because Northern Ireland follows some EU rules under the Windsor Framework, the ban would have applied there too. Following concerns about the impact on health service dentistry, a derogation was agreed allowing Northern Ireland to keep using amalgam until 31 December 2034, unless an earlier date is agreed under the Minamata Convention.
The Minamata Convention decision
The Minamata Convention on Mercury is the global treaty on mercury, and the UK is a party. At its sixth Conference of the Parties in November 2025, parties agreed to phase out dental amalgam by 2034. For England, Scotland and Wales, which had no fixed end date before, this sets a direction of travel. Exactly how and when the UK turns that commitment into domestic rules, and any exceptions, may still be set out, so practices should follow guidance from the BDA, the chief dental officers and government. Supply is another practical factor: with fewer manufacturers making amalgam for a shrinking market, availability and price may change before any formal ban takes effect.
What it means for waste
Phasing out new amalgam fillings does not end amalgam waste. Millions of existing amalgam fillings will be replaced or removed over the coming decades, and every removal produces amalgam waste through the separator and chairside traps. Extracted teeth with amalgam fillings will also continue to need the amalgam stream rather than incineration.
| Waste source | Effect of phase-out |
|---|---|
| Excess mixed amalgam and used capsules | Falls as fewer amalgam fillings are placed |
| Separator contents from removing old fillings | Continues for many years |
| Extracted teeth with amalgam | Continues for many years |
| Leftover amalgam stock at phase-out | One-off disposal as hazardous waste |
| Old bulk mercury found in storerooms | Should already be disposed of, as bulk mercury use ended in 2019 |
Practical steps for practices now
- Keep the amalgam separator maintained and emptied on schedule
- Avoid over-ordering amalgam capsules as alternatives become more common
- Keep amalgam waste in sealed white containers and never in clinical waste
- Check storerooms for old bulk mercury or mercury-containing equipment and arrange collection
- Keep consignment notes for amalgam collections for at least three years in England and Wales
- Plan training on alternative materials with your team
Alternative materials and their waste
As amalgam use falls, practices use more composite resin, glass ionomer and other mercury-free materials. These do not need the amalgam stream, but they still create waste that should be handled properly.
- Unused composite and glass ionomer, including expired syringes and capsules, usually goes in the pharmaceutical or chemical stream your contractor advises
- Bonding agents and etchants are chemicals and should not go down the drain
- Used composite capsules and compules with patient contact usually go in the infectious or offensive stream depending on contamination
- Check safety data sheets for any disposal instructions
Ask your waste contractor how they want these items handled, as practice and contractor procedures vary.
Separators will stay essential
Even when no new amalgam is placed, removing old fillings releases amalgam particles into the suction system. The separator is what stops that mercury reaching the sewer. Practices should expect to keep separators, and to keep collecting their contents as hazardous waste, for many years after the last amalgam filling is placed.
Frequently asked questions
Is amalgam banned in the UK?
No, not yet. Amalgam can still be used in England, Scotland and Wales, subject to existing restrictions for children under 15 and pregnant or breastfeeding patients. Northern Ireland has a derogation from the EU ban until 31 December 2034. UK parties to the Minamata Convention agreed in November 2025 to phase out dental amalgam by 2034.
Will dental practices still produce amalgam waste after the phase-out?
Yes. Removing old amalgam fillings, and extracting teeth that contain them, will continue to produce amalgam waste for many years. Separators, sealed amalgam containers and hazardous waste collections with consignment notes will remain necessary long after new amalgam fillings stop being placed. Teeth with amalgam fillings must still never be incinerated.
What should we do with leftover amalgam capsules?
Unused or expired amalgam capsules are amalgam waste and should go in your sealed white amalgam container for collection as hazardous waste, not in clinical bags or sharps containers. To limit leftover stock, order smaller quantities as your use of amalgam falls. Old bulk mercury should be collected as hazardous waste promptly.
amalgam phase-out Minamata Convention Northern Ireland mercury
