What constitutes a "hazardous waste"?

A hazardous waste is defined as any discarded material that is dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment. This definition encompasses a wide range of materials, including industrial waste, solvents, chemicals, and certain types of discarded consumer products. The key aspect of hazardous waste is its ability to pose risks, which is why proper handling, treatment, and disposal are critical to prevent negative impacts on public safety and the environment.

In this context, the other options are not aligned with the established definitions of hazardous waste. For example, recyclable materials may not necessarily be hazardous; they can often be reused or repurposed without posing a risk. Discarded materials that pose no risk clearly do not fit the definition of hazardous waste, as their characteristics do not include danger or harm. Lastly, while organic materials may sometimes become hazardous if they are contaminated or improperly disposed of, not all organic materials are classified as hazardous waste, especially if they can decompose safely.