According to the RCRA, how is a hazardous waste defined?

The definition of hazardous waste according to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) encompasses two primary criteria: a waste can either exhibit certain hazardous characteristics or be classified as a listed chemical. The hazardous characteristics include ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity. Additionally, there are specific lists of chemicals maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that are considered hazardous due to their potential risks regardless of whether they show hazardous characteristics. This dual classification system ensures a comprehensive approach to identifying hazardous waste, as it recognizes both the inherent properties of substances and the specific chemicals that are known to pose environmental hazards. This is crucial for effective waste management and regulatory compliance.