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The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA, pronounced 'rick-rah') set forth a framework for the management of non-hazardous wastes, as well as giving the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to control hazardous waste from the 'cradle-to-grave, including the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste

Solid waste is defined by RCRA as garbage, refuse, sludge, and other discarded materials (including solids, liquids and contained gases) resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural operations, and from community operations. [Sewage, industrial wastewater discharges and certain radioactive materials are regulated under other statutes].

RCRA required states to have solid waste management plans (SWMP), prohibited open dumping, and required EPA to establish criteria for solid waste landfills.