Legal Definitions - toxic waste

Definition: Toxic waste refers to hazardous and poisonous substances that can cause harm to human health and the environment. This can include refuse or superfluous material left over after a manufacturing or chemical process, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT).

Most states have regulations in place for the handling and disposing of toxic waste, and there are several federal statutes, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), that regulate the use, transportation, and disposal of toxic waste.

Example: A chemical plant produces a large amount of toxic waste as a byproduct of its manufacturing process. The plant must follow strict regulations for the handling and disposal of this waste to prevent harm to the environment and nearby communities.

Explanation: This example illustrates how toxic waste can be a byproduct of a manufacturing process and the importance of following regulations to prevent harm to the environment and nearby communities.