hazardous waste

[haz-er-duhs weyst]

noun

1. any industrial by-product or discarded commercial product that is potentially harmful to the environment or people and other living organisms because it is ignitable, corrosive, reactive, and/or toxic.

   You can’t throw these flammable old cans of paint thinner in with your regular trash—they need to be treated as hazardous waste.

   We are in compliance with all state regulations that pertain to the containment and disposal of hazardous wastes.

hazardous waste

1. A used or discarded material that can damage the environment and be harmful to health. Hazardous wastes include heavy metals and toxic chemicals used in industrial products and processes as well as infectious medical wastes and radioactive materials such as spent nuclear fuel rods.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hazardous waste¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The company, accused of mishandling hazardous waste at its retail locations, will pay nearly $78,000 to Sacramento County and to several California cities and counties.

From Los Angeles Times

It alleged the makeup giant was mishandling damaged, returned and expired merchandise, which is considered hazardous waste according to state law.

From Los Angeles Times

That complaint alleged that UPS sent improperly labeled hazardous waste to area landfills.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether cleanup work at hazardous waste areas known as Superfund sites will continue will be decided case by case.

From Los Angeles Times

One former council member is facing federal charges of transporting hazardous waste.

From Los Angeles Times