What type of waste does the term "hazardous waste" typically refer to?

The term "hazardous waste" typically refers to waste that poses potential health threats due to its chemical, physical, or biological characteristics. This type of waste can be harmful to human health or the environment, and it includes materials that may be toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive. Such waste often requires special handling, treatment, and disposal methods to mitigate risks to public health and the ecosystem.

Unlike recyclable materials, hazardous waste cannot be easily repurposed due to its dangerous nature. Biodegradable waste, while it can break down naturally, does not inherently pose the same level of threat as hazardous waste. Non-toxic industrial byproducts are not classified as hazardous waste because they do not present health risks, contrasting sharply with the characteristics that define hazardous waste. Understanding this classification is crucial for ensuring proper waste management and protection of public health and the environment.