Which federal act regulates hazardous waste management in the United States?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the federal law responsible for regulating the management of hazardous waste in the United States. Enacted in 1976, RCRA provides a framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, emphasizing waste minimization, resource recovery, and the safety of waste treatment and disposal. It establishes guidelines for waste generators, transporters, and disposal facilities to ensure that hazardous waste is handled in a manner that protects human health and the environment.

RCRA sets forth requirements for waste identification, tracking (manifest system), and procedures for the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. It also encourages states to create their own regulatory programs that are at least as stringent as the federal standards. This federal statute plays a crucial role in shaping waste management practices across the country, ensuring that hazardous materials are managed responsibly and sustainably.

The other acts mentioned serve different purposes: the Clean Water Act primarily focuses on regulating water pollution and maintaining surface water quality; CERCLA, also known as the Superfund Act, addresses the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances but does not specifically regulate the management of hazardous waste; and the Environmental Protection Act, while it indicates broader environmental purposes, is not an established act focusing