What does the term "hazardous waste" mean?

The term "hazardous waste" refers to waste that poses potential harm to human health or the environment. This definition encompasses various types of waste that are dangerous or capable of causing adverse effects, typically due to their chemical composition or properties. Hazardous waste can come from numerous sources, including industrial processes, laboratories, agricultural activities, and household products.

Recognizing what qualifies as hazardous waste is crucial for proper handling, transportation, and disposal. Regulations exist to ensure that hazardous waste is managed in a way that minimizes risks and protects public health and the environment.

In contrast, the other options describe waste types that may not inherently pose a risk. For example, recyclable waste is often not hazardous and can be processed to recover materials. Compostable waste is organic matter that can break down naturally and enrich the soil, while biodegradable waste refers to materials that decompose through natural processes, both generally presenting little to no environmental threat when managed correctly. Therefore, they do not meet the criteria for hazardous waste.