Which agency regulates hazardous waste in the United States?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the agency responsible for regulating hazardous waste in the United States. This regulatory role is primarily carried out under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which governs the management and disposal of hazardous waste to protect both human health and the environment.

The EPA sets standards for waste treatment, storage, and disposal, ensuring that hazardous materials are managed in a way that minimizes their impact on public health and the environment. Additionally, the agency oversees the identification of hazardous waste, tracks its generation and disposal, and enforces compliance among businesses and facilities that handle such materials.

This regulatory framework helps to prevent contamination of land and water resources and mitigates potential health risks associated with improperly managed hazardous waste.