What does the term "hazardous waste" refer to?

The term "hazardous waste" refers to materials that pose a significant threat to public health or the environment due to their properties. This includes waste that can be ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic, meaning they can cause injury or death to humans, animals, or plants if not handled appropriately.

Hazardous waste is subject to strict regulations to ensure its proper management, treatment, and disposal to minimize its impact on the environment and public safety. The definition encompasses a wide range of potentially harmful materials, such as chemicals, batteries, and certain medical waste, which require special handling due to their dangerous characteristics.

The incorrect options highlight misunderstandings about hazardous waste: some might mistakenly categorize waste that poses no threat, can be dumped in any landfill, or is recyclable as hazardous, but these do not align with the true definition and implications of hazardous waste management.