What is classified as hazardous waste?

The classification of hazardous waste primarily concerns materials that have the potential to harm human health or the environment. Thus, the by-product of hazardous materials falls into this category because it can contain harmful substances that, if disposed of improperly, may pose risks to health and safety. Hazardous waste typically includes chemical wastes, heavy metals, and certain biological wastes that originate from manufacturing processes or operational activities involving hazardous materials.

In contrast, non-toxic waste, waste from regular cleaning, and general rubbish typically do not contain harmful properties that could pose the same level of risk associated with hazardous materials. For example, non-toxic waste may include recyclable materials like paper or plastic, while waste from regular cleaning may comprise soap and water residues, which are generally safe to dispose of. General rubbish from operations often consists of standard waste that does not have hazardous characteristics. Therefore, the crucial distinction lies in the potential threat that the by-product of hazardous materials poses, making it essential to identify and manage such waste appropriately in order to mitigate any danger it may present.