What is the function of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?

The function of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is primarily to manage hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. The RCRA establishes a framework for managing waste disposal and ensures that waste is handled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. This includes regulations surrounding the generation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, providing comprehensive guidelines to prevent environmental contamination and promote safe waste management practices.

While the other options may touch upon relevant regulations or areas of environmental protection, none encompass the full intent and scope of the RCRA as effectively as the management of solid waste. For instance, the regulation of the transportation of hazardous materials is covered under different laws and regulations, and recycling programs, while encouraged under RCRA, are not its primary focus. Safe drinking water is governed by a separate act, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which underlines the specific areas of concern that RCRA does not address directly. Overall, the comprehensive focus of RCRA on waste management distinctly sets it apart as the answer highlighting its primary purpose.