What is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), a federal law that was passed in 1976, is dedicated to protecting human health and the environment from the potential hazards of waste disposal. The act regulates the storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste in the United States. In California, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is responsible for implementing RCRA regulations. RCRA applies to both hazardous and non-hazardous waste and covers a variety of activities, including setting standards for handling hazardous waste, ensuring that hazardous waste sites are properly managed, and prohibiting illegal shipments of hazardous waste. The act requires businesses that generate, transport, store, or process hazardous waste to obtain permits from the state. These permits outline the standards and practices that must be followed to ensure safety with regard to hazardous materials. RCRA is designed to protect air and water quality and promote resource conservation. The act also ensures that hazardous waste is disposed of properly and prevents land contamination caused by hazardous wastes. RCRA also encourages industry and government to find innovative solutions to reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated and encourages reuse and recycling of materials instead of disposal.

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