If a waste exhibits characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity, it is classified as?

A waste that exhibits characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity is classified as characterized waste. This classification is significant because it assists in determining the appropriate management and disposal methods for that waste. Specifically, these characteristics are defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and are critical in identifying hazardous waste, which in turn mandates compliance with specific regulations designed to protect human health and the environment.

Although there are other classifications of waste, characterized waste specifically refers to those that are evaluated based on their inherent properties. This contrasts with listed waste, which is those specifically enumerated in regulatory lists due to their known hazards, and waste streams, which refer to the flow or pathway of waste materials in a specific context. Non-categorized waste would indicate that the waste does not meet any classification criteria, which would not align with the specific definitions for ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. Thus, the classification as characterized waste is essential for proper identification and regulatory compliance in handling hazardous materials.