toxic waste

American  

[tok-sik weyst] / ˈtɒk sɪk ˈweɪst /

noun

1. any hazardous waste that, when consumed or otherwise absorbed into the body, is harmful or fatal to people or other living organisms.

   Toxic waste containing lead and mercury had leached into their drinking water, and the number of poisoned residents was staggering.

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toxic waste Cultural  

1. A general term used to refer to chemical compounds produced by industry which, if they are ingested or breathed in by humans, can cause physiological damage. The disposal of toxic wastes is a major environmental problem in the United States.

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Etymology

Origin of toxic waste

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

But his history of public controversy stretches back to at least 1991, when a memo he wrote while serving as the World Bank’s chief economist appeared to justify sending toxic waste to poorer countries.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

BBC News has recently documented uncovered toxic waste ponds, deforestation and soil erosion at rare earth mines in Northern China.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

Albanian police arrested 20 people over their role in smuggling toxic waste from the Balkan country to Thailand, the force said Wednesday.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

These spaces help drain toxic waste products, including beta amyloid and tau proteins, which are found in high levels in people with Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily • Jan. 3, 2026

Like I’d spent her recovery wallowing in a toxic waste dump.

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

• poison
• pollution