What are the four characteristics that classify a waste as hazardous?

A waste is classified as hazardous based on characteristics that demonstrate its potential harm to human health and the environment. The correct answer highlights four key traits: Ignitability, Corrosivity, Reactivity, and Toxicity.

Ignitability refers to a material's ability to catch fire and sustain combustion, posing a fire hazard. Corrosivity describes substances that can corrode materials or living tissue, often leading to significant safety risks. Reactivity encompasses the tendency of a material to chemically react unpredictably when exposed to other substances, which can result in explosions or the release of toxic gases. Toxicity signifies the harmful effects a waste can have on living organisms, indicating that it can cause serious health problems upon exposure or ingestion.

Understanding these four characteristics is vital for proper waste management and ensuring compliance with regulations aimed at protecting public health and the environment. These criteria are established in the context of environmental protection laws, guiding how various materials are handled, stored, and disposed of to reduce hazards.