Which act governs recovering, accounting and disposal of Hazardous Waste?

• A. Hazardous Waste Control Act
• B. CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act)
• C. Clean Water Act
• D. RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)

Answer: (D)

The main idea is cradle-to-grave management of hazardous waste. The act that provides the framework for recovering, accounting for, and disposing of hazardous waste is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. It creates a complete system from generation through transportation, treatment, storage, and final disposal, with rigorous tracking like the hazardous waste manifest to ensure proper accounting every step of the way. It also requires permits for treatment and storage facilities and sets rules on accumulation times and closure, all aimed at ensuring hazardous waste is managed safely and responsibly from creation to final disposition.

CERCLA handles cleanup and liability at contaminated sites, not the ongoing management of hazardous waste. The Clean Water Act focuses on discharges to surface waters, not the full cradle-to-grave management. The Hazardous Waste Control Act may exist in some jurisdictions, but the federal framework governing this end-to-end management is RCRA.