Hazardous waste is governed by which legislative act?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the legislative act that governs hazardous waste management in the United States. Enacted in 1976, the RCRA provides a framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. Its primary goal is to protect human health and the environment from the potential hazards of waste disposal and to ensure that waste is managed from its generation to its disposal.

The RCRA outlines the processes for identifying hazardous waste, establishing standards for waste treatment, storage and disposal, and implementing a cradle-to-grave system for waste management. This comprehensive approach ensures that hazardous waste is managed safely and sustainably.

Other acts mentioned in the choices, such as the Clean Water Act, focus on water quality and pollution control, the Occupational Safety and Health Act addresses workplace health and safety standards, and the Food and Drug Act provides regulations for food safety and drug quality. These acts, while critical in their respective areas, do not specifically address the management of hazardous waste as the RCRA does.