Which one of the following devices allows aspirated waste amalgam residue to be collected and safely disposed of by the dental team before it is able to enter the drains?

The device that allows aspirated waste amalgam residue to be collected and safely disposed of by the dental team before it can enter the drains is the amalgam separator. This device is specifically designed to capture amalgam particles and prevent them from contaminating the wastewater system. It operates by using centrifugal force to spin out the heavier amalgam particles, which are then collected in a designated chamber for proper disposal.

Using an amalgam separator is essential for environmental compliance and dental waste management, as it helps reduce the amount of mercury and other harmful materials that can leach into water systems. Implementing this device in dental practices ensures a safer handling of amalgam waste, protecting both human health and the environment.

In contrast, while an amalgam trap also serves a similar purpose, it does not function independently like an amalgam separator. The trap is typically a part of the dental suction system but does not separate amalgam waste as effectively or comprehensively. Other options like a mercury spillage kit are used for handling mercury spills and a reverse osmosis machine is designed for water purification, neither of which are relevant to the direct collection and disposal of aspirated amalgam waste.