ABSTRACT
The hazardous substance control regulations form a nearly comprehensive umbrella to regulate hazardous wastes, from extraction or synthesis to ultimate disposal. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 is the primary tool of the federal government for controlling hazardous wastes. The best management option for dealing with hazardous wastes is to minimize the amounts generated by modifying industrial processes, industrial outputs, and consumer purchasing behavior. When waste is generated, the major methods of hazardous waste control can be divided into two categories: waste disposal methods and waste storage methods. The 1976 RCRA called for a national effort to promote safe solid waste management practices and to promote resource conservation and recovery. The costs of solid waste disposal were low enough and suitable sites were sufficiently plentiful that local governments had little incentive to change their waste management practices.
