Which law primarily governs the disposal of hazardous waste?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the law that primarily governs the disposal of hazardous waste. Enacted in 1976, RCRA provides the framework for the management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste, including the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.

Key elements of RCRA focus on waste tracking, strict compliance standards for waste disposal facilities, and the implementation of regulations to minimize waste generation, ensuring that hazardous waste is handled in a way that protects human health and the environment. The act also emphasizes the importance of waste reduction and resource recovery, promoting recycling and conservation practices.

In contrast, while the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) establishes a national framework for considering environmental impacts in federal decision-making, it does not specifically focus on hazardous waste management. The Clean Air Act primarily addresses air quality and pollution control, and the Safe Drinking Water Act is concerned with the safety of drinking water supplies. Each of these laws targets specific environmental concerns, but RCRA is the definitive legislation for hazardous waste disposal.