The apparatus and method of amalgam waste recovery provides for the effective recovery of amalgam waste, including mercury and other toxic substances, during a dental procedure. The apparatus includes a novel filter that effectively captures waste and a recovery method that provides for the efficient recovery of mercury, gold, and silver waste during dental procedures. The filter includes a cylindrical shape that effective entraps dental waste both along the sides and upon the flat, circular end. The apparatus may be composed of cellulose or paper allowing recovery of mercury vapors and other by-products.
