what is toxic waste

Toxic waste is any unwanted material in all forms that can cause harm to humans, animals, and the environment. It is mostly generated by industry, but it can also come from consumer products like televisions, computers, and phones, which contain toxic chemicals that can pollute the air and contaminate soil and water. Toxic materials are poisonous byproducts of industries such as manufacturing, farming, construction, automotive, laboratories, and hospitals, which may contain heavy metals, radiation, dangerous pathogens, or other toxins. Even households generate hazardous waste from items such as batteries, used computer equipment, and leftover paints or pesticides. Toxic waste can be reactive, ignitable, and corrosive. Disposing of such waste has become critical with the addition of numerous technological advances containing toxic chemical components. The most common way to dispose of toxic waste is to store it in sealed containers in the ground. Hazardous waste clean-up is a multi-step process that starts with site visits and reviews to determine if the area threatens human health or the environment.