Which statement best describes how a waste is determined to be hazardous?

Which statement best describes how a waste is determined to be hazardous?

• A. Only by listing.
• B. Only by characteristics.
• C. By listing or characteristics.
• D. By consumer demand.

Answer: (C)

Hazardous waste determination under RCRA uses two pathways: a waste is hazardous if it is listed on the regulatory lists or if it exhibits one of the four hazardous characteristics. Listing covers wastes from certain processes or industries (the F-, K-, P-, and U-lists). If a waste isn’t listed, it can still be hazardous if it shows a characteristic such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity—the toxicity characteristic is defined by tests like TCLP. Because a waste can be hazardous through either pathway, the correct description is that it is hazardous by listing or characteristics. Consumer demand does not factor into this determination, and it’s not limited to only one pathway.

Hazardous waste determination under RCRA uses two pathways: a waste is hazardous if it is listed on the regulatory lists or if it exhibits one of the four hazardous characteristics. Listing covers wastes from certain processes or industries (the F-, K-, P-, and U-lists). If a waste isn’t listed, it can still be hazardous if it shows a characteristic such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity—the toxicity characteristic is defined by tests like TCLP. Because a waste can be hazardous through either pathway, the correct description is that it is hazardous by listing or characteristics. Consumer demand does not factor into this determination, and it’s not limited to only one pathway.