The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1976 that governs the management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Its primary goal is to protect human health and the environment by ensuring safe waste disposal and promoting resource recovery. The RCRA establishes a framework for managing waste from its creation to its disposal, including treatment, storage, and cleanup of waste sites. Under the RCRA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for setting standards and regulations for waste management. The act encourages recycling and waste minimization, aiming to reduce the amount of waste generated. It also provides guidelines for the proper handling of hazardous materials, ensuring that they do not pose a risk to public health or the environment.