The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act's (RCRA)  hazardous waste permitting program ensures the safe management of hazardous wastes. Under this program, EPA establishes requirements regarding the treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes. The permitting program is important to the cradle-to-grave management system for hazardous wastes, which prevents dangerous releases and avoids costly Superfund cleanups. Permits are issued by authorized states or EPA regional offices. States and EPA cooperate to implement RCRA.