What Is RCRA?

RCRA is the acronym for the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The U.S. Congress passed this environmental law on October 21, 1976, to regulate hazardous waste and non-hazardous solid waste. RCRA introduced America to a new philosophy--the "cradle-to-grave" management of hazardous waste. The law calls for the environmentally responsible handling, storage and transportation of hazardous waste from its creation to its final disposal. RCRA also encourages waste reduction through recycling and reuse. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has primary responsibility for implementing RCRA.

History

The United States enjoyed an industrial and economic boom after World War II. An unfortunate side effect of this rapid expansion was the creation of more and more industrial and municipal wastes. Increasing amounts of hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials made their way into the environment. To combat this threat to human and environmental health, Congress passed the Solid Waste Disposal Act in 1965. This law proved insufficient, and, in 1976, Congress overhauled it with a comprehensive amendment known as RCRA.

Hazardous Waste

Wastes that are ignitable, reactive, corrosive or toxic are considered hazardous. Under RCRA Subtitle C, hazardous waste generators, transporters and treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs) must operate under permit and maintain extensive records. When hazardous wastes exchange hands--for instance, when a generator hires a transporter to haul away wastes--both parties document the transaction with a hazardous waste manifest. This record-keeping system tracks the type and quantity of waste involved and the parties responsible for its safe handling.

Non-Hazardous Solid Wastes

RCRA Subtitle D establishes federal criteria for landfills and other solid waste disposal facilities. However, it gives states leeway to develop their own solid waste management plans and set more stringent standards. Subtitle D bans the open dumping of solid wastes. It also provides minimum standards for the sanitary landfills that will contain those wastes. These landfills must meet RCRA criteria for location, operational procedures, design and groundwater monitoring. Once full, these facilities must also adhere to RCRA requirements for closure and subsequent environmental monitoring.

Underground Storage Tanks

Spills and leaks from underground storage tanks can impact soil and groundwater quality. The Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 added Subtitle I to RCRA, which applies to the underground storage of petroleum products and hazardous substances. Underground storage tank owners and operators must comply with a host of requirements to avoid spills and leaks, detect any releases to the environment and remediate any resulting soil and groundwater contamination.

Impact

RCRA encourages waste reduction and environmental responsibility. Compliance with the law has undeniably resulted in higher operational costs for U.S. industry. However, it has also contributed to environmental quality. The EPA reports the reduction, treatment or proper disposal of approximately 6.5 billion pounds of hazardous waste in fiscal year 2008.

Resources

• RCRA Orientation Manual