Which statement about hazardous waste identification is incorrect?

Which statement about hazardous waste identification is incorrect?

• A. Hazardous waste is identified by listing.
• B. Hazardous waste is identified by characteristics.
• C. Hazardous waste can be identified by listing or characteristics.
• D. Hazardous waste identification should rely on generator's opinion.

Answer: (D)

Hazardous waste identification is based on regulatory criteria, not personal judgments. A waste is considered hazardous if it appears on an official list (such as the F-, K-, P-, or U- lists) or if it exhibits one of the four characteristics defined by RCRA (ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic). A waste can be hazardous because it’s listed, or because it shows a characteristic, or both. Relying on the generator’s opinion alone does not meet regulatory requirements; the determination must be made using the defined lists and characteristics and appropriate testing. For example, a waste not on any list but that is ignitable is hazardous, and a listed waste may still be hazardous even if it does not clearly show a characteristic.

Hazardous waste identification is based on regulatory criteria, not personal judgments. A waste is considered hazardous if it appears on an official list (such as the F-, K-, P-, or U- lists) or if it exhibits one of the four characteristics defined by RCRA (ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic). A waste can be hazardous because it’s listed, or because it shows a characteristic, or both. Relying on the generator’s opinion alone does not meet regulatory requirements; the determination must be made using the defined lists and characteristics and appropriate testing. For example, a waste not on any list but that is ignitable is hazardous, and a listed waste may still be hazardous even if it does not clearly show a characteristic.