The U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act was enacted in which year and aims to?

The U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act was enacted in which year and aims to?

• A. 1965, tracks and monitors hazardous waste generation
• B. 1984, regulates air emissions
• C. 1976, tracks and monitors hazardous waste generation
• D. 1990, manages water quality

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is cradle-to-grave management of hazardous waste. RCRA establishes a system that tracks hazardous waste from the moment it’s created through transport, treatment, storage, and disposal, with permits and a manifest that follows the waste along its path. This focus on monitoring and controlling the lifecycle of hazardous waste is what the act aims to achieve, aiming to prevent leaks, spills, and improper disposal. It was enacted in 1976, making that year and the emphasis on tracking hazardous waste generation the best match. Other options mix with different environmental laws—air emissions or water quality—so they don’t fit the purpose of this act.

The key idea here is cradle-to-grave management of hazardous waste. RCRA establishes a system that tracks hazardous waste from the moment it’s created through transport, treatment, storage, and disposal, with permits and a manifest that follows the waste along its path. This focus on monitoring and controlling the lifecycle of hazardous waste is what the act aims to achieve, aiming to prevent leaks, spills, and improper disposal. It was enacted in 1976, making that year and the emphasis on tracking hazardous waste generation the best match. Other options mix with different environmental laws—air emissions or water quality—so they don’t fit the purpose of this act.