What must be done with hazardous waste?

• A. It must be disposed of according to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
• B. It must be stored for later disposal.
• C. It must be burned on site.
• D. It can be dumped anywhere.

Answer: (A)

Hazardous waste must be handled within a formal regulatory framework to protect people and the environment. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) provides the rules for how hazardous waste is identified, generated, stored, transported, treated, and disposed of. It requires proper characterization of the waste, use of a hazardous waste manifest to track it, and disposal only at permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. This system creates accountability and ensures safer, properly controlled practices from the moment the waste is created to its final disposal.

Storing hazardous waste for later disposal isn’t enough on its own without following the authorized disposal process and meeting all permit and storage requirements. On-site burning or dumping waste without permission and proper facilities is not allowed under these regulations.