How does RCRA define solid waste?
If none of the exceptions apply, and if the material has been discarded, or has served its useful purpose, it is a solid waste. RCRA defines solid waste as including any • garbage; • refuse; • sludge; • discarded materials. Solid waste may be in the form of • solids; • liquids; • semi-solids; • contained gaseous materials. Waste from agricultural activities is expressly included. Agricultural solid waste is defined as waste produced in either • the rearing of animals; • the production of crops or trees. Materials excluded from the RCRA solid waste definition include • domestic sewage; • waste from irrigation return flows; • point source discharges into navigable waters which are permitted for release under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) of the Clean Water Act (FE770).
