Presented are key issues to be addressed by state, regional, and local governments and agencies in creating effective hazardous waste management programs. Eight chapters broadly frame the topics which state-level decision makers should consider. These chapters include: (1) definition of hazardous waste; (2) problem definition and recognition; (3) principles of waste management; (4) transportation; (5) land use and related policy issues; (6) facility operations; (7) waste sampling and analysis, and leachate sampling; and (8) elements of state programs. Each chapter summarizes appropriate existing background information and relates it to the implementation issues facing state officials. Appendices include a model state hazardous waste management act and information regarding the disposal of particular categories of wastes. The guide does not preempt regulatory decisions still to be made at federal and state levels, since public input on these policies has not yet been solicited. (Author/WB)