Which term best describes waste that poses a substantial or potential hazard to human health or the environment?

The term that best describes waste posing a substantial or potential hazard to human health or the environment is hazardous waste. This classification is essential because it signifies that the waste can be harmful due to its chemical properties, such as being toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive. Hazardous waste requires strict regulations for handling, storage, and disposal to prevent adverse effects on health and the environment.

Understanding hazardous waste is crucial in laboratory safety and environmental protection. It encompasses a range of materials, including laboratory chemicals that are no longer needed or have become waste, as well as certain types of industrial byproducts. The regulations surrounding hazardous waste ensure that it is managed in a way that minimizes exposure risks to individuals and the surrounding ecosystem.

In contrast, non-hazardous waste does not pose significant risks and can typically be disposed of with regular waste. Universal waste includes widely produced hazardous items such as batteries and fluorescent bulbs, which are subject to specific guidelines for disposal but are categorized differently from other hazardous wastes. Safe waste is not a recognized classification in waste management contexts and does not convey the seriousness of potential hazards associated with specific materials.