Mixed waste is regulated under what act?

• A. CERCLA
• B. OSHA Act
• C. RCRA and the Atomic Energy Act
• D. The Atomic Energy Act

Answer: (C)

Mixed waste contains both hazardous chemical characteristics and radioactive material. To protect people and the environment, it must meet the requirements for hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and also the licensing and safety controls governing radioactive materials under the Atomic Energy Act. RCRA governs how hazardous waste is generated, stored, treated, transported, and disposed of, while the Atomic Energy Act addresses the possession, use, and disposal of radioactive materials in nuclear contexts. Because both types of regulation apply, mixed waste is regulated under both RCRA and the Atomic Energy Act. Options focusing only on cleanup (CERCLA), workplace safety (OSHA), or radioactive material regulation alone do not cover the full regulatory needs of mixed waste.