RCRA defines four characteristics of hazardous waste. Which set lists all four?

• A. Ignitability, corrosivity, toxicity, reactivity
• B. Flammability, toxicity, corrosivity, radioactivity
• C. Ignitability, corrosivity, stability, volatility
• D. Corrosivity, reactivity, solubility, odor

Answer: (A)

The key idea is understanding the four characteristics RCRA uses to identify hazardous waste: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity. Ignitability covers wastes that can easily catch fire during storage or handling, such as flammable liquids or solids that can ignite under normal conditions. Corrosivity refers to wastes that are highly acidic or basic (extreme pH) or that can corrode metal containers, making them hazardous through destructive contact. Reactivity involves wastes that are unstable or can undergo violent reactions, including those that release toxic gases, explode, or generate heat when mixed with water or other substances. Toxicity is about contaminants that can leach out of the waste and cause toxic effects to humans or the environment, typically shown through regulatory leachate tests.

This combination lists all four recognized characteristics, so it correctly identifies hazardous waste under RCRA. Other properties like radioactivity, volatility, stability, solubility, or odor aren’t the official RCRA criteria used to classify hazardous waste, even though they may be relevant in other contexts.