Hazardous Waste is refuse that can cause severe harm to humans or the environment if not properly handled or disposed of. While it can come in the form of solids, liquids, gases, or sludges, hazardous waste can also be classified as either toxic, reactive, infectious, or radioactive. Generators of this form of waste are required to make sure that their waste is properly contained and disposed of in a safe and appropriate manner.

Once the refuse has been determined by its generator as being hazardous, it then has to be treated before it is then taken away. From there, the waste is transported for disposal or processing for recycling. While most hazardous waste can be recycled, some still have to be treated and stored, which has the risk of spills, fires, leaks, and environmental pollution.

—

Other Sources

EPA. “Learn the Basics of Hazardous Waste.” EPA. May 3, 2016. https://www.epa.gov/hw/learn-basics-hazardous-waste. Accessed May 25, 2016.

Encyclopædia Britannica Online, s. v. “hazardous-waste management”, accessed May 25, 2016, http://www.britannica.com/technology/hazardous-waste-management.