What is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a federal law first established in 1976 that provides guidelines for the management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid and waste materials in the US. It was created to regulate the handling and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous material, as well as to protect public health and the environment from the potential impacts of hazardous materials. In California, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is responsible for enforcing RCRA regulations. The DTSC works with local, state, and federal agencies to make sure hazardous materials are safely handled, stored, and disposed of at all times. RCRA requires companies to obtain permits for hazardous waste facilities and operations, and it also establishes safety standards for the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. It also allocates funds for research and development of better hazardous waste management techniques, and provides grants and resources to help communities deal with hazardous materials. RCRA’s goal is to protect the environment from the impacts of hazardous materials, and to ensure the safe disposal of materials that are no longer needed. It also encourages businesses to find ways to reduce and reuse materials, and to appropriately manage those that cannot be recycled or reused. RCRA serves as the cornerstone of federal and Californian environmental law.

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