The discussion details the history and characteristics of hazardous waste generation, its legitimate disposal, and efforts to control its illegitimate disposal. Governmental successes and failures in addressing the problem are also described. The typical hazardous waste criminal is described as an ordinary, profit-motivated business owner who operates in an environment in which organized crime activity may be present but is not pervasive. Thus, the intensity, duration, and methods of the crime are more likely to be determined by the criminal opportunities available in the legitimate marketplace than by the orders of a controlling crime syndicate. The analysis concludes that criminal prosecution is more effective than civil remedies and recommends improved intergovernmental cooperation as well as research to develop innovative methods for treating and reducing hazardous wastes. Figures, tables, index, and 126 references (Publisher summary modified)