Find information about federal waste regulations, programs, guidance and contacts under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Enacted by Congress in 1976 as an amendment to the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965, it was the first federal statute to address solid waste, including hazardous waste. The purpose of the Act is to protect the public from harm caused by improper disposal; to encourage reuse, reduction and recycling; and to clean up spilled or improperly stored wastes. Most states have enacted laws and promulgated regulations that are at least as stringent as the federal regulations.