Hazardous wastes in the United States are regulated under which act?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the primary federal law in the United States governing the management of hazardous wastes. Enacted in 1976, RCRA outlines the framework for the proper management, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, ensuring that it is done in a manner that protects human health and the environment.

The act focuses on a "cradle-to-grave" system, meaning it regulates hazardous waste from its initial creation to its final disposal. This includes setting standards for waste generators, transporters, and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. RCRA emphasizes waste minimization and resource recovery, advocating for recycling and reuse as preferable alternatives to disposal.

The other options listed reference various environmental laws, but they do not specifically address the regulatory framework for hazardous waste. The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) deals primarily with the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances and does not focus specifically on the management of hazardous waste. The Pollution Control Act is a more general reference and could encompass various pollution issues but is not solely dedicated to hazardous waste management. The Environmental Protection Act is a broader term that doesn't pinpoint a specific act regulating hazardous waste. Thus, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act is the most accurate