Hazardous waste is classified as substances that can pose significant risks to human health or the environment due to their chemical properties. This type of waste includes materials that are toxic, flammable, reactive, or corrosive. Special handling is essential to mitigate these risks and ensure safe disposal, often involving specific protocols and regulations to prevent pollution and exposure.
In contrast, rubbish, while it may not be safe for the environment if improperly disposed of, does not typically present the same level of immediate threat as hazardous waste. Liquid waste could be hazardous, but it is a broader category that alone does not guarantee harmful effects without context. Human waste also requires careful handling due to sanitary concerns and potential pathogens, but it is not categorized as hazardous waste under environmental guidelines.
The need for special handling of hazardous waste focuses on protecting public health and the environment from the severe risks posed by materials that can lead to serious harm if not managed properly. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective waste management practices.