Dictionary of Procurement Terms

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Search Results: 1-1 of 1 result for “Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)”

  • Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

    This Act defines hazardous waste as “toxic, ignitable, corrosive, or dangerously reactive substances.” Under the CERCLA, a “generator” is an organization that uses or produces hazardous waste. Federal law stipulates that generators are responsible for the safe use and handling from the time the hazardous waste is created until it is completely destroyed. This “cradle to grave” responsibility, which cannot be delegated, includes the packaging used to transport the materials. Under the CERCLA, a “shipper” is a transporter licensed by transportation departments of federal and state environmental protection agencies to dispose of hazardous waste. Example: The proper disposal of old automobile tires, automobile car batteries, fluorescent light tubes, personal computers, televisions, photocopy machines and other hazardous items. This law was originally created to tax the chemical and petroleum industries. The tax is used by a broad federal authority to clean up abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The law provides 1) short-term removal and 2) long-term remedy that permanently reduces danger. Also referred to as the Superfund.