What does hazardous waste include?

Hazardous waste includes discarded materials that threaten public health due to their chemical properties because this definition encompasses a wide range of substances that can be detrimental to human health and the environment. Hazardous waste can take various forms, including solids, liquids, or gases, and is characterized by its toxic, reactive, ignitable, or corrosive nature. These properties can lead to serious health issues if they are improperly managed or disposed of, making it imperative to handle them with care.

The other options provided do not capture the comprehensive nature of hazardous waste. While non-recyclable materials and organic compounds may be included in specific categories of waste, they do not inherently possess the toxic characteristics that define hazardous waste. Additionally, waste that is deemed safe for public disposal falls outside the category of hazardous waste entirely, as it poses no significant threat to health or safety.