What are the four characteristics of hazardous waste?

The correct answer identifies four key characteristics of hazardous waste: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity.

Ignitability refers to the ability of a substance to easily catch fire and sustain combustion. Materials that are classified as ignitable can include solids, liquids, or gases that are flammable at certain temperatures.

Corrosivity describes substances that can corrode, or wear away, materials. Typically, this refers to highly acidic or basic waste that is capable of damaging metals and other materials upon contact.

Reactivity indicates how a substance behaves under certain conditions and whether it has the potential to explode, produce toxic fumes, or chemically react violently with other materials. This characteristic signals the potential hazards involved in handling and disposal.

Toxicity is crucial as it assesses the harmful effects that a material can have on human health and the environment. Toxic substances can pose risks through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.

The other options, while containing some relevant terms, may include elements that do not align with the most recognized characteristics of hazardous waste. For instance, volatility and biodegradability are not primary characteristics defining hazardous waste in the context of regulatory frameworks.