What is one of the main goals of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?

One of the main goals of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is to manage the disposal of solid and hazardous waste. The RCRA, enacted in 1976, establishes a comprehensive framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, setting standards for waste treatment, storage, and disposal. This regulatory approach aims to protect human health and the environment from the potential dangers posed by waste.

The act emphasizes waste management practices that reduce the volume and toxicity of waste and promotes waste minimization and resource recovery. Rather than being a program focused primarily on incentives for recycling or funding renewable energy initiatives, RCRA's direct intention is to regulate how waste is handled from its creation to its ultimate disposal, ensuring that waste is managed safely and sustainably. This foundational aspect of the RCRA plays a crucial role in environmental protection efforts and promotes responsible waste management practices nationwide.