Which sequence correctly describes how to identify hazardous waste?

Which sequence correctly describes how to identify hazardous waste?

• A. Determine if it's a solid waste; if so, check if it's listed or exhibits characteristics.
• B. Check the color of the container, then smell the waste.
• C. Assume hazardous if the generator thinks so.
• D. Test for radioactivity first.

Answer: (A)

The process for identifying hazardous waste starts with solid waste status and then checks against lists or hazardous characteristics. Under RCRA, only discarded materials that are solid wastes can be regulated as hazardous waste, so the first question is: is the material a solid waste? If not, it isn’t hazardous waste under RCRA. If it is a solid waste, you then determine if it is hazardous by either being on the listed hazardous-waste lists or by exhibiting one or more of the hazardous characteristics (ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic). If it meets either criterion, it’s hazardous waste; if not, it isn’t. This approach avoids relying on appearance, smell, or the generator’s belief, and it separates nuclear or radiological concerns (which are handled under different regulations) from RCRA hazardous-waste identification.

The process for identifying hazardous waste starts with solid waste status and then checks against lists or hazardous characteristics. Under RCRA, only discarded materials that are solid wastes can be regulated as hazardous waste, so the first question is: is the material a solid waste? If not, it isn’t hazardous waste under RCRA. If it is a solid waste, you then determine if it is hazardous by either being on the listed hazardous-waste lists or by exhibiting one or more of the hazardous characteristics (ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic). If it meets either criterion, it’s hazardous waste; if not, it isn’t.

This approach avoids relying on appearance, smell, or the generator’s belief, and it separates nuclear or radiological concerns (which are handled under different regulations) from RCRA hazardous-waste identification.