Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which act is administered by the EPA to manage solid hazardous waste?

1. Clean Air Act

2. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

3. Toxic Substances Control Act

4. Hazardous Materials Transportation Act

The correct answer is: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the correct answer because it specifically pertains to the management of solid hazardous waste. This act was enacted to ensure that waste is managed in an environmentally sound manner from its creation to its disposal. RCRA establishes a framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, including regulations for waste treatment, storage, and disposal. The act mandates that hazardous waste generators follow certain guidelines to minimize waste and ensures that hazardous waste is treated, stored, and disposed of in ways that protect human health and the environment. It also includes provisions for the lifecycle of hazardous waste, making it a comprehensive piece of legislation geared towards sustainable waste management practices. The other acts mentioned have different focuses: The Clean Air Act is primarily concerned with air quality and pollution control, the Toxic Substances Control Act regulates chemical substances and mixtures, and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act deals with the safe transportation of hazardous materials, rather than their overall management as waste. This distinction highlights why RCRA is the appropriate legislation for managing solid hazardous waste.