Which type of waste does the RCRA primarily regulate?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) primarily regulates hazardous waste management as it is focused on ensuring that hazardous wastes are managed in a way that protects human health and the environment. This includes establishing a framework for the proper handling, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. The legislation sets forth guidelines to prevent the mismanagement of hazardous materials and to encourage recycling and safe disposal practices.

Hazardous wastes are defined as wastes that pose substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment, and RCRA provides the legal guidelines that govern these substances including their identification, tracking, and required management practices. This regulatory focus is essential for mitigating risks associated with hazardous materials, such as contamination of land and water resources, and ensuring safe handling procedures throughout their lifecycle.

In contrast, non-hazardous industrial waste, residential waste disposal, and construction debris do not fall under the primary regulatory purview of RCRA, although other regulations may apply to those types of waste. RCRA's specificity to hazardous waste helps streamline the focus on materials that could be more harmful if not managed correctly.