Types of Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste can occur in a variety of settings, from construction sites and manufacturing plants to landfills and even at residential properties. Hazardous waste can take many forms: solid, liquid, sludge, and gas. RCRA defines hazardous waste as follows: "A solid waste, or combination of solid waste, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may (a) cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible, illness; or (b) pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of, or otherwise managed."

To learn more about Hazardous Waste visit our Hazardous Waste Safety Online Training web page.