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What is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?
What is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?-February 2024
Feb 12, 2026 8:52 PM

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Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a comprehensive federal law enacted in 1976 in the United States. It is designed to regulate the management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste from generation to disposal, with the goal of protecting human health and the environment.

Under RCRA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for establishing and enforcing regulations that govern the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of waste. The law applies to a wide range of entities, including industrial facilities, commercial businesses, and even households.

RCRA establishes a cradle-to-grave system for waste management, meaning that it addresses waste from the moment it is generated until its final disposal. It requires waste generators to properly identify, handle, and store their waste, and mandates that waste transporters and treatment facilities meet specific standards to prevent environmental contamination.

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One of the key provisions of RCRA is the requirement for hazardous waste generators to obtain an EPA identification number and comply with specific regulations for the safe management of hazardous waste. These regulations include proper labeling, storage, and record-keeping practices to ensure that hazardous waste is handled and disposed of in a manner that minimizes risks to human health and the environment.

RCRA also encourages the reduction, recycling, and reuse of waste through various programs and initiatives. It promotes the development of environmentally sound waste management practices and technologies, and encourages the use of alternative materials and processes that minimize waste generation.

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Overall, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable waste management practices and protecting the environment. By regulating the entire life cycle of waste, it helps ensure that waste is managed in a manner that minimizes risks and promotes the conservation of resources for future generations.

Keywords: management, hazardous, conservation, resource, recovery, generation, disposal, environment, regulations

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