This article is about hazardous waste as a substance. For the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, see Basel Convention.
The term hazardous waste comprises all toxic chemicals, radioactive materials, and biologic or infectious waste. These materials threaten workers through occupational exposure and the general public in their homes, communities, and general environment. Exposure to these materials can occur near the site of generation, along the path of its transportation, and near their ultimate disposal sites. Most hazardous waste results from industrial processes that yield unwanted byproducts, defective products, and spilled materials. The generation and disposal of hazardous wastes is controlled through a variety of international and national regulations.
Hazardous waste was formerly known as 'special' waste.
