The "Cradle-to-Grave" Approach to Managing Hazardous Waste

The RCRA regulations are established on a framework designed to track hazardous wastes from "cradle to grave." This means that hazardous wastes must be properly handled from the time they are produced to the time they are finally disposed of.

First in this sequence is hazardous waste generation. Hazardous waste is generated by many different types of generators. Some examples of hazardous waste generators are dry cleaners, chemical manufacturers, or power plants.

Next, the hazardous waste, now useless to the generator, may be transported to another location. This location may be a temporary storage site for up to ten days while it awaits transportation, or the final destination for the waste.

The final destination of the hazardous waste may be a facility where it will be recycled for other purposes, treated to render it non-hazardous, or disposed of in its final resting place.

The RCRA regulations cover the management procedures for each different type of waste as the waste travels on its journey from cradle to grave.

To learn more about RCRA safety standards visit our RCRA Refresher Online Training web page.