EPA Amalgam Separator Deadline: What Dental Practices Need to Know Before June 14, 2027

August 03, 2026

If your dental practice has an amalgam separator that was installed before June 14, 2017, an important EPA compliance deadline is approaching.

Under the EPA Dental Effluent Guidelines (40 CFR Part 441), all amalgam separators installed prior to June 14, 2017 must be replaced by June 14, 2027—regardless of manufacturer, model, maintenance history, or replacement parts used over the years. While the deadline may seem far away, now is the ideal time for practices to review their equipment and plan ahead to avoid last-minute compliance issues.

What Does the EPA Rule Require?

The EPA's Dental Effluent Guidelines require dental practices to use amalgam separators that meet the current regulatory standards. For practices operating systems installed before June 14, 2017, the compliance grace period ends on June 14, 2027.

The regulation states:

"A dental discharger... that operates an amalgam separator that was installed at a dental facility prior to June 14, 2017... satisfies the requirements... until the existing separator is replaced... or until June 14, 2027, whichever is sooner."

In simple terms:

• Any amalgam separator installed before June 14, 2017 must be replaced by June 14, 2027.
• Routine maintenance or replacing collection containers does not extend compliance.
• Installing legacy replacement parts after the deadline does not make an older separator compliant.

Practices that continue using pre-2017 separators after the deadline may face compliance issues during inspections.

Who Is Affected?

This requirement applies to any dental practice using an amalgam separator installed before June 14, 2017, regardless of brand.

One of the most common systems affected is the legacy Solmetex Hg5 Amalgam Separator, which was discontinued in June 2017 and replaced by the NXT Hg5.

If your practice has been purchasing HG5-002CR replacement collection containers, it's worth confirming whether you're still operating a legacy Hg5 unit that will require replacement before the deadline.

Why You Shouldn't Wait

As the deadline approaches, many practices are expected to upgrade at the same time. Planning your replacement now offers several advantages:

• Maintain EPA compliance before inspections.
• Avoid potential installation delays as demand increases.
• Schedule installation at a convenient time to minimize disruption.
• Receive a new system backed by a manufacturer's warranty.

Rather than waiting until the final months before the deadline, replacing your separator early helps ensure a smooth transition.

Upgrading Is Easier Than You May Think

For practices currently using the legacy Solmetex Hg5, upgrading to the NXT Hg5 Amalgam Separator is designed to be straightforward.

Benefits include:

• Installs using the existing backplate.
• No plumbing modifications are typically required.
• Includes disposal and recycling of the old Hg5 separator and collection container.
• Provides a new system with a fresh warranty.

This simple upgrade helps practices remain compliant while minimizing downtime.

Time to Upgrade

Available replacement upgrade systems include:

• NXT-HG5-001 – NXT Hg5/Hg5 Amalgam Separator 
• NXT-HG5-MINI – NXT Hg5/Hg5 Mini Amalgam Separator 

Practices replacing amalgam separators from other manufacturers may also qualify for a discounted competitive upgrade program. Contact Solmetex for program details and eligibility.

Stay Ahead of the Deadline

June 14, 2027 is a fixed EPA compliance deadline that will affect thousands of dental practices across the United States. If your amalgam separator was installed before June 14, 2017, now is the time to verify your equipment and begin planning your replacement.

At Supply Clinic, we're committed to helping dental practices stay compliant while finding competitive pricing on the products they need. If you're ready to replace your amalgam separator or have questions about your current system, browse our selection of compliant replacement systems or contact our team for assistance.