hazardouswaste

Hazardous waste is waste that poses potential risks to human health or the environment due to its properties or origin. In many jurisdictions, a waste is classified as hazardous if it exhibits certain characteristics (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity) or if it is listed by regulation as hazardous. Commonly recognized hazardous wastes include spent solvents, paints and coatings, certain pesticides, batteries, used oils, medical waste, and some electronic wastes.

Regulatory frameworks typically require a cradle-to-grave approach: identification and classification, proper quantity determination, labeling and packaging, storage with secondary containment, transport by licensed carriers, treatment to reduce hazard or remove contaminants, and secure disposal at a permitted facility. Generators are often regulated by size and generation rate, with requirements for recordkeeping, permits, training, and contingency plans. Treatment technologies may include stabilization, incineration, chemical neutralization, physical separation, or land disposal with containment.

Environmental and health implications arise from potential exposures and pollution, including air emissions, leachate, and worker exposure. Internationally, hazardous waste policy intersects broader waste management and pollution control regimes, such as the Basel Convention, and national frameworks such as the United States RCRA or the European Union Waste Framework Directive and CLP Regulation for classification and labeling.

Effective management seeks to minimize generation, ensure safe handling, and prevent releases through proper infrastructure, monitoring, and emergency planning.