Summary

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the principal federal law governing the disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste.  RCRA was enacted to protect human and environmental health, promote waste source reduction and recycling and ensure the management of waste be done in an environmentally sound manner.  Waste products are classified based on their physical and chemical properties and their potential to harm the public or the environment.  Additionally, RCRA establishes the procedures by which a waste product may be reused or recycled for an alternative use and thus promotes the conservation of resources.

Background

The fertilizer industry is primarily subject to RCRA regulations under the reuse/recycling of a product to make fertilizers.  Many materials used by one industry can subsequently be used as a feedstock to manufacture fertilizers.  It is important these recycled feedstocks be transported, processed and stored following RCRA regulations in order to ensure the fertilizer is not contaminated.  When this reuse is carried out properly, natural resources are conserved and fertilizer quality is ensured.