Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which of the following is exempt from hazardous waste regulations?

The correct answer is that lead abatement and renovation project waste from both contractors and homeowners is exempt from hazardous waste regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This aligns with specific provisions that identify certain types of lead-containing waste as non-hazardous when they are generated from residential properties undergoing renovations or abatements where the waste is primarily from lead-based paint or similar materials.

Exempting this type of waste from hazardous regulations supports the goal of facilitating safe and effective lead removal efforts while recognizing the practicalities involved in home renovations. Since the waste originates from residential settings and may not meet the criteria for hazardous waste classification, it allows homeowners and contractors to manage the lead waste without additional regulatory burdens.

Other options focus on limiting the exemption to either contractors or homeowners alone, which does not reflect the broader regulatory stance that encompasses all lead abatement and renovation project waste as a group. This inclusive approach ensures consistent management practices, promoting safety and environmental protection for all parties involved in lead remediation. Additionally, stating that all lead-containing waste is exempt overlooks the specific criteria set by RCRA for classification as hazardous waste, which involves more than just the presence of lead.