Which act governs the management of solid and hazardous waste?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the primary federal law governing the management of solid and hazardous waste in the United States. Enacted in 1976, RCRA provides a framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, including its generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal. The Act emphasizes waste minimization and resource recovery and establishes a "cradle-to-grave" system, ensuring that hazardous waste is managed safely throughout its entire lifecycle.

RCRA is vital for protecting human health and the environment from potential hazards posed by waste disposal. It requires states to develop and adopt their own hazardous waste management programs, providing them with the authority to enforce the regulations outlined in the act.

In contrast, other legislative acts, while crucial for environmental protection, focus on different aspects. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) primarily addresses the cleanup of contaminated sites and does not specifically govern waste management. The Clean Water Act regulates discharges into waters of the United States and maintains water quality but does not cover solid or hazardous waste management directly. The Environmental Protection Act, while a significant piece of legislation related to the administrative structure of environmental protection agencies, does not focus specifically on waste management.