Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, hazardous waste must be?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) was established to manage hazardous waste responsibly and prevent harm to human health and the environment. According to RCRA, hazardous waste must be managed in accordance with federal and state guidelines that dictate how waste is to be treated, stored, transported, and disposed of. These guidelines are designed to ensure that hazardous waste is handled safely and that its impact on people and the environment is minimized.

Option C is correct because it emphasizes compliance with the established regulations that govern the management of hazardous waste, ensuring that practices align with safety protocols and environmental standards. This approach promotes responsible waste management, allowing for appropriate treatment and disposal methods based on the characteristics of the waste and the potential risks associated with it.

In contrast, storing hazardous waste indefinitely is not compliant with RCRA requirements since it does not address the need for timely and safe treatment or disposal. Similarly, disposal of hazardous waste in landfills is generally not permitted unless specifically designed for such materials, as many landfills cannot adequately contain hazardous substances. Treating hazardous waste as non-hazardous undermines the very purpose of RCRA, which is to identify and manage hazardous materials appropriately to protect public health and the ecosystem.