RCRA (pronounced "rick-rah") gave EPA the authority to control hazardous waste from the "cradle-to-grave." This includes the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA establishes a framework for national programs to achieve environmentally sound management of both hazardous and nonhazardous wastes. RCRA also promotes resource recovery techniques and methods to reduce the generation of hazardous waste. RCRA is designed to:

• Protect human health and the environment,
• Reduce/eliminate the generation of hazardous wastes, and
• Conserve energy and natural resources