Regulatory and Guidance Information by Topic: Waste

EPA regulates household, industrial, and manufacturing solid and hazardous wastes under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). RCRA's goals are to protect us from the hazards of waste disposal; conserve energy and natural resources by recycling and recovery; reduce or eliminate waste; and clean up waste that which may have spilled, leaked or been improperly disposed of.

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Hazardous Waste

The Hazardous Waste Program, under RCRA Subtitle C, establishes a system for controlling hazardous waste from the time it is generated until its ultimate disposal. The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulates the transport of hazardous materials. 

​Laws and Regulations

Compliance

Enforcement

Policy and Guidance

Household Hazardous Waste

Recycling

Non-Hazardous Waste/Solid Waste

The Solid Waste Program, under RCRA Subtitle D, encourages states to develop comprehensive plans to manage nonhazardous industrial solid waste and municipal solid waste, sets criteria for municipal solid waste landfills and other solid waste disposal facilities, and prohibits the open dumping of solid waste.

Laws and Regulations

Compliance

Policy and Guidance

Major Environmental Laws

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

EPA Contacts

Many states are authorized to operate the RCRA Program in their own state, so it is often appropriate to consult state waste management programs or regional authorities:

International & Tribal Information

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Last updated on May 22, 2025