Which federal regulation primarily governs hazardous waste management?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the federal regulation that primarily governs hazardous waste management. Enacted in 1976, RCRA provides a framework for the proper management of hazardous waste from its creation to its disposal. It establishes a system for the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes, ensuring that these processes are conducted in an environmentally sound manner to protect human health and the environment.

RCRA also emphasizes waste minimization and the recycling of materials, promoting more sustainable practices. Under RCRA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for establishing standards that waste generators and treatment facilities must follow, thus making it the central regulatory mechanism for hazardous waste management in the United States.

The other regulations mentioned do play significant roles in environmental protection but focus on different areas. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (often known as Superfund) deals primarily with the cleanup of contaminated sites. The Pollution Prevention Act focuses on reducing the amount of pollution through cost-effective changes in production, operation, and raw materials use. The Clean Air Act regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources, targeting air quality rather than waste management directly.