Which agency has the authority to control hazardous waste?

Which agency has the authority to control hazardous waste?

• A. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• B. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• D. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Answer: (C)

The main concept here is which federal agency regulates hazardous waste in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency handles this through the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which governs how hazardous waste is generated, transported, treated, stored, and disposed of. EPA sets nationwide standards, requires waste generators to classify and manage waste, uses manifests for tracking, and issues permits for treatment or disposal facilities, with state programs operating under EPA oversight. The other agencies serve different roles: OSHA focuses on worker safety and exposure limits, not the management of hazardous waste itself; FDA handles foods, drugs, and cosmetics; FAA oversees aviation safety. Therefore, the Environmental Protection Agency is the agency responsible for hazardous waste regulation.

The main concept here is which federal agency regulates hazardous waste in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency handles this through the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which governs how hazardous waste is generated, transported, treated, stored, and disposed of. EPA sets nationwide standards, requires waste generators to classify and manage waste, uses manifests for tracking, and issues permits for treatment or disposal facilities, with state programs operating under EPA oversight. The other agencies serve different roles: OSHA focuses on worker safety and exposure limits, not the management of hazardous waste itself; FDA handles foods, drugs, and cosmetics; FAA oversees aviation safety. Therefore, the Environmental Protection Agency is the agency responsible for hazardous waste regulation.