What is a goal of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) related to waste?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is primarily aimed at managing hazardous and non-hazardous waste with a comprehensive approach that includes generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal. A fundamental goal of the RCRA is to reduce waste generation and promote the conservation of energy and natural resources. This is achieved through various means, including encouraging recycling and recovery of materials that can be reused, thereby minimizing the volume and toxicity of waste produced. By focusing on reducing waste at the source, the Act seeks to protect human health and the environment while also advocating for sustainable practices in resource utilization.

The other options suggest practices that contradict the goal of waste management and environmental protection. Promoting wasteful practices or unregulated disposal directly opposes the intent of the RCRA, which seeks responsible stewardship of resources and a reduction in environmental impact. Increasing landfill space does not address the root issues of waste generation and instead perpetuates a cycle of disposal rather than reduction and recovery.