Administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), RCRA and CERCLA are federal laws governing the management of hazardous waste in the United States. Yet, these guidelines differ significantly in terms of priorities and purpose.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 focuses on regulating the routine management of hazardous materials, including their treatment, storage and disposal. The law aims to prevent environmental harm caused by hazardous waste — from its generation to its ultimate disposal.
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act targets the long-term remediation of hazardous waste sites. These regulations address the cleanup of historical contamination and the prevention of future risks.