The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act was enacted in 1976 to insure responsible disposal of chemicals, solvents, sludges, and other waste streams that could be hazardous to human health and the environment. The USEPA has the responsibility for promulgating and enforcing the regulations governing the identification and management of hazardous wastes. In addition to the regulations noted below, many interpretive letters and guidance memos have been issued over the years addressing specific situations. In addition to defining hazardous waste, the regulations specify required management and training requirements regarding the segregation, storage, labeling, manifesting, transporting, and disposal of hazardous waste. All hazardous waste generators must become familiar with the regulations and comply with those that apply to their specific circumstances.

To view the actual regulations governing hazardous waste, link to the Code of Federal Regulations and select "Title 40 - Protection of the Environment" from the drop down list. Within that page select "Chapter 1 - Environmental Protection Agency" and click on "Parts 260 - 265 Solid Wastes".

In addition, the USEPA has published an excellent review of the RCRA program in their RCRA Orientation Manual.

J.J. Keller, a leading supplier of safety and regulatory compliance solutions, publishes a handy reference guide and update service in their Hazardous Waste Guide: For Generators, Transporters & TSDs.

ABS Consulting, formerly Government Institutes, a leader in providing professional publications and training for environmental and risk industries, offers RCRA compliance courses and advanced RCRA training seminars.