Hazardous waste refers to any discarded material that poses a significant risk to human health or the environment due to its chemical properties. This includes substances that are toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive, and they require special handling and disposal methods to mitigate their potential harm. Proper management of hazardous waste is crucial to prevent contamination of soil, water, and air. Regulations, such as those enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency, guide the safe disposal and treatment of these materials, ensuring that they do not pose a threat to public health or the ecosystem.