What distinguishes between 'listed waste' and 'characteristic waste'?

The distinction between 'listed waste' and 'characteristic waste' primarily hinges on regulatory classification criteria. Listed waste refers to specific types of wastes that are explicitly identified and defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in regulations, often categorized based on their origin or process that generated them. This classification makes it easier to manage known hazardous waste and enforce regulations effectively.

In contrast, characteristic waste is defined by its properties rather than its source. It encompasses wastes that exhibit one or more hazardous characteristics—ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity—which render them dangerous and subject to regulation, regardless of their origin.

This regulatory framework is critical, as it helps ensure that all hazardous wastes—whether listed or characterized—are properly identified and managed to protect human health and the environment. Thus, understanding the criteria that differentiate these types of waste is essential for proper waste management practices.