What is the primary federal law regulating hazardous waste in the United States?

The primary federal law regulating hazardous waste in the United States is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This law was enacted to address the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA establishes a framework for the proper management of hazardous waste, ensuring that wastes are handled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. It does this through a system of permits and standards that waste generators and treatment facilities must follow to ensure safe practices.

RCRA’s significance lies in its comprehensive approach to hazardous waste, encompassing everything from the generation of waste to its final disposal. It encourages waste minimization and promotes sustainable practices by allowing for the recovery and recycling of materials wherever feasible. The act also set forth regulations for managing non-hazardous solid waste, further enhancing its scope.

The other acts mentioned do address significant environmental and health-related issues, but they do not specifically focus on hazardous waste management. The Clean Air Act regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (often associated with the Superfund program) responds to cleanup of contaminated sites but does not regulate the ongoing management of hazardous waste. The Toxic Substances Control Act governs the introduction of new or already existing chemicals but does not focus on