What distinguishes hazardous waste from general waste?

Hazardous waste is characterized by its potential to cause harm to human health or the environment. This includes waste materials that may be toxic, reactive, flammable, or corrosive. Such properties mean that hazardous waste requires special handling, treatment, and disposal procedures to mitigate the risks associated with its management.

In contrast, general waste typically includes non-hazardous materials that do not pose such threats and can often be managed through standard waste disposal methods. Understanding this distinction is crucial for ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to protect public safety and environmental integrity when managing health care waste.