What is the primary purpose of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?

The primary purpose of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is to regulate the management and disposal of hazardous waste. This federal law was enacted to ensure that hazardous waste is handled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. RCRA sets forth a framework for the proper management of hazardous waste from its creation, through transportation, treatment, storage, and ultimately disposal.

By establishing guidelines for hazardous waste management, RCRA aims to minimize the generation of waste and ensure that any waste that is produced is managed safely. This includes defining what constitutes hazardous waste, implementing standards for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, and providing mechanisms for enforcement.

While recycling and reuse, financial assistance, and waste reduction programs are important components of waste management strategies, they fall under broader initiatives or secondary functions within the overall scope of the RCRA. The core focus remains on the careful regulation and management of hazardous waste to prevent environmental contamination and protect public health.