page_title: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
section_title: Subtitle C: "Cradle to Grave" requirements for hazardous waste
hierarchical_section_title: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act / Provisions / Subtitle C: "Cradle to Grave" requirements for hazardous waste
caption_attribution_description: Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is the technical term, but most people just call it trash. It comes from our homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. - Full infographic: go.usa.gov/bPcA - 2012 Municipal Solid Waste Characterization Fact Sheet: go.usa.gov/bPxY - More about the stuff we throw away: www.epa.gov/osw/nonhaz/municipal/index.htm
context_page_description: The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, enacted in 1976, is the principal federal law in the United States governing the disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste.
context_section_description: Arguably the most notable provisions of the RCRA statute are included in Subtitle C, which directs EPA to establish controls on the management of hazardous wastes from their point of generation, through their transportation and treatment, storage and/or disposal. Because RCRA requires controls on hazardous waste generators (i.e., sites that generate hazardous waste), transporters, and treatment, storage and disposal facilities (i.e., facilities that ultimately treat/dispose of or recycle the hazardous waste), the overall regulatory framework has become known as the "cradle to grave" system. States are authorized to implement their own hazardous waste programs. The statute imposes stringent recordkeeping and reporting requirements on generators, transporters, and operators of treatment, storage and disposal facilities handling hazardous waste.
caption: EPA graphic explaining municipal solid waste
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