Which of the following best describes the term hazardous waste?

The term hazardous waste refers to waste materials that are potentially harmful to human health or the environment due to their chemical properties, such as toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity, or ignitability. Therefore, describing hazardous waste as something that poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment accurately reflects its inherent dangers. This definition encompasses a broad range of substances that, if not managed properly, can lead to serious health issues for individuals and detrimental environmental impacts.

In contrast, waste that can be reused in manufacturing does not qualify as hazardous—not all waste that may have some value poses a threat. Likewise, waste that is easy to decompose does not directly relate to potential harm; some biodegradable materials can be perfectly safe. Finally, while some waste may be dangerous only under specific conditions, that does not capture the essential characteristics that make waste hazardous, which is the potential threat it poses regardless of circumstances.