Which law was the first American law to influence hazardous waste disposal?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is significant because it was the first federal law in the United States aimed specifically at regulating the disposal of hazardous waste. Enacted in 1976, RCRA established a framework for managing hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. It introduced important measures for waste management practices, including the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA's intent is to ensure the protection of human health and the environment from potential hazards posed by waste disposal activities. The law emphasizes the importance of waste minimization and resource recovery, laying the groundwork for later environmental regulations and legislation regarding hazardous waste management.

In contrast, other laws mentioned, while also related to environmental protection, focus on different aspects or areas of environmental regulation. TSCA addresses the regulation of chemicals, particularly their manufacturing and use. CERCLA, also known as Superfund, deals primarily with the cleanup of contaminated sites rather than the management of hazardous waste from its generation. EPCRA focuses on emergency planning and community right-to-know about hazardous substances. Therefore, RCRA is distinct as the initiator of hazardous waste regulatory practices in the United States.