What does RCRA stand for?

RCRA stands for the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. This federal law, enacted in 1976, provides a framework for the management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste in the United States. The primary goals of RCRA are to protect human health and the environment from the potential dangers of waste disposal, to conserve energy and natural resources, and to reduce the amount of waste generated. It encourages recycling and the treatment of wastes to minimize the adverse effects of waste on the environment.

RCRA also establishes requirements for the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, ensuring that such activities are performed safely and in compliance with established standards. Understanding RCRA is essential for anyone involved in environmental compliance, as it underpins many of the regulatory frameworks governing waste management practices.