What is the primary characteristic of hazardous waste based on its properties?

The primary characteristic of hazardous waste is that it can harm human health or the environment. This distinction is crucial because hazardous waste is defined by its potential risks and dangers, which arise from its physical, chemical, or biological properties. Substances classified as hazardous waste can cause significant adverse effects, such as toxicity, reactivity, ignitability, or corrosivity.

Understanding this characteristic helps in identifying substances that require careful handling, storage, and disposal. For instance, improper management of hazardous waste can lead to soil contamination, water pollution, or serious health effects for individuals working with or living near these materials.

Other options relate to more specific attributes that may apply to certain wastes but do not universally define hazardous waste. Biodegradability, non-toxicity, and natural composition do not inherently indicate that waste is hazardous or safe; in fact, many hazardous materials can be biodegradable or occur naturally while still posing significant risks. Thus, the key focus remains on the potential for harm to health or the environment, which clearly defines hazardous waste.