Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CHMM Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is primarily responsible for regulating hazardous waste in the United States. This agency oversees the implementation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which sets the framework for the proper management of hazardous waste, including its generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal. The role of the EPA includes establishing regulations to ensure that hazardous waste is managed in a manner that protects human health and the environment.

Additionally, the EPA conducts oversight inspections, enforces compliance with hazardous waste regulations, and provides guidance to both the public and private sectors regarding best practices in waste management. This central role in regulating hazardous waste is vital to maintaining safety and environmental integrity across the nation.

In comparison, the other agencies mentioned have different focuses: the Department of Health and Human Services primarily deals with public health and welfare; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is concerned with workplace safety; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency focuses on disaster response and recovery rather than hazardous waste management. Each of these agencies plays an important role in their respective areas, but they do not have the same mandate concerning hazardous waste as the EPA.