What kind of wastes must be managed under strict regulations due to potential hazards?

Hazardous wastes must be managed under strict regulations because they pose significant health and environmental risks. These materials can be harmful to human health if they are improperly handled, disposed of, or released into the environment. Characteristics of hazardous wastes may include being ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic, which can lead to contamination of soil, water, and air, potentially resulting in serious public health concerns.

Regulatory agencies have established various guidelines and protocols for the handling, treatment, and disposal of hazardous wastes to ensure safety and mitigate risks. This includes requiring special facilities for storage and disposal, labeling and manifesting waste shipments, and training personnel to manage hazardous materials appropriately. Compliance with these regulations is essential to prevent accidents, pollution, and health issues associated with improper waste management.

In comparison, other types of wastes like household, landfill, and construction debris might be subject to regulations, but they typically do not carry the same level of risk and are managed under different sets of guidelines that focus mainly on general waste management practices rather than the acute hazards associated with hazardous wastes.