Question

What role does the Toxic Substances Control Act play in the hazardous-waste arena?

Short answer

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) plays a substantial role in the hazardous-waste arena. The Act regulates the introduction of new or already existing chemicals and gives the EPA the authority to require restrictions and controls on substances that may impact the environment or human health. Therefore, it helps in identifying, controlling, and minimizing the risk of hazardous waste.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Toxic Substances Control Act

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is a United States law, passed by the US Congress in 1976 and administered by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that regulates the introduction of new or already existing chemicals. However, the TSCA does not separate out 'toxic' and 'non-toxic' substances, it gives EPA the authority to require reporting, record-keeping and testing of the substances, and restrictions relating to the substances.

Identifying the Role of TSCA in the Hazardous-Waste Arena

The TSCA gives EPA the mandate to control hazardous substances that may have an environmental or human-health impact. It involves the identification of potentially harmful chemicals, control of certain chemical uses, and initiation of actions such as bans and phase-outs for high-risk chemicals. In the hazardous waste arena, the TSCA plays a significant role in identifying which substances are hazardous, how they should be disposed of, or how their risk can be minimized.

Highlighting Specific TSCA Provisions Related to Hazardous Waste

TSCA includes a provision that requires the regulator to consider the environmental presence of a substance, disposal practices, and its inherent chemical properties when determining whether a substance presents an unreasonable risk. This means that even for substances that are not typically considered toxic, their disposal practices might render them as 'hazardous waste', bringing them under the purview of the TSCA.