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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
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A quick definition of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA):
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a law that regulates how waste is disposed of on land, with a focus on hazardous waste. The goal of RCRA is to reduce waste and encourage recycling. All hazardous waste must have an identification number and be tracked using a "manifest" system. This ensures that everyone involved in the disposal process is informed and prevents unidentified waste from being disposed of improperly. RCRA covers solid waste that is discarded, including solids, sludge, liquid, semisolids, or contained gaseous material. Hazardous waste is subject to greater regulation under Title C, and the law divides the actors involved in waste disposal into three categories: generators, transporters, and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. There are exemptions from RCRA for waste covered by other statutes, as well as for certain types of recycling and reclamation.
A more thorough explanation:
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a law that regulates the disposal of waste, especially hazardous waste, with the goal of reducing waste and encouraging recycling. It uses a tracking system called "manifests" and a "cradle-to-grave" approach to ensure that hazardous waste is properly identified and tracked from its creation to its disposal.
- All hazardous waste must have an identification number and be accompanied by a "manifest" that tracks the waste. Each time the waste changes hands, a copy of the manifest is sent back to ensure that everyone along the chain is informed and that unidentified wastes do not arrive at disposal facilities.
- The EPA uses a 5-factor test to determine what is waste, including whether the material is typically discarded on an industry-wide basis, whether it replaces a raw material when it is recycled, and the relation of the recovery practice to the principal activity of the facility.
- Solid hazardous wastes are subject to greater regulation under Title C. To become subject to Title C, the solid waste must also be hazardous, either by exhibiting a hazardous characteristic or being specifically listed as hazardous.
These examples illustrate how RCRA regulates the disposal of waste, especially hazardous waste, and encourages recycling. The tracking system and 5-factor test help ensure that waste is properly identified and tracked, while the greater regulation of solid hazardous waste under Title C helps protect the environment and public health.