According to RCRA, solid waste is defined as what?

The definition of solid waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) includes materials that are discarded from various sources. This encompasses not only solid materials but also liquids and gases. The key aspect here is the notion of discarding; items that are no longer wanted or deemed to have no further use are classified as solid waste, regardless of their physical state.

This comprehensive definition ensures that all types of discarded materials, which can contribute to environmental concerns, are properly regulated. It enhances the ability of regulatory agencies to manage waste effectively, ensuring that hazardous materials are identified and managed appropriately, while also addressing non-hazardous waste to minimize its environmental impact.

The understanding that solid waste includes a variety of states—solids, liquids, and gases—aligns with the broader goals of RCRA, which emphasizes the importance of managing waste to protect human health and the environment efficiently.