What describes the waste that has not been in contact with hazardous substances or infectious agents?

The waste that has not been in contact with hazardous substances or infectious agents is best described as non-hazardous or general waste. This type of waste typically includes everyday items that do not pose a risk to human health or the environment. Examples include office paper, plastic wrappers, and food waste from non-infectious sources. Non-hazardous waste can usually be managed and disposed of through standard waste management practices without requiring special handling or treatment procedures.

In contrast, infectious waste contains potentially infectious materials that could pose a risk of disease transmission, such as used medical supplies or human anatomical waste. Chemical waste involves materials that are hazardous due to their chemical properties and can be harmful to health or the environment if improperly disposed of. Radioactive waste contains radioactive materials and requires specific handling and disposal methods to prevent radiation exposure. These categories of waste necessitate more stringent management practices than general waste, underscoring the significance of distinguishing between non-hazardous waste and other more dangerous categories.