What is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) was enacted in 1976 by the United States Congress in order to protect the environment from hazardous waste. RCRA is a set of environmental laws that provides for the proper management of solid and hazardous waste. It is enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is applicable in all states, including Washington. The goal of RCRA is to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills and to promote the recovery and reuse of materials instead of simply discarding them. To that end, it sets guidelines for waste management and provides funding for cleanup projects. Under RCRA, hazardous wastes must be stored, treated, and disposed of in accordance with regulations and standards set by the EPA in order to protect human health and the environment. RCRA also creates incentives for businesses to reduce, reuse, and recycle materials in order to reduce their environmental impact. It also encourages states to develop their own waste management plans and it authorizes the EPA to inspect facilities to ensure they are in compliance with RCRA regulations. In summary, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act is an important set of environmental laws that help to ensure hazardous waste is managed and disposed of properly in order to protect public health and the environment. The goals of RCRA are to reduce waste and promote recycling and reuse, and the EPA is tasked with ensuring that businesses comply with the regulations set by the Act.

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What is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act?

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