What does the term 'disposal' refer to in hazardous waste management?

In hazardous waste management, the term 'disposal' specifically refers to the final placement of waste in a designated facility. This involves the processes that follow the treatment of hazardous waste, where the waste is ultimately placed in landfills, treatment plants, or other designated locations intended for safely managing hazardous materials.

Disposal is a critical aspect of waste management, ensuring that residual waste is handled in a controlled manner that minimizes risks to human health and the environment. This placement is often regulated to conform to local, state, and federal laws aimed at preventing contamination and ensuring safety.

The other options describe different processes related to hazardous waste management, but they do not accurately capture the meaning of 'disposal.' For example, storing waste refers to holding hazardous materials temporarily before further action is taken, treating waste involves processing to mitigate its harmful effects, and transportation relates to moving waste from one location to another for treatment or disposal. Each of these processes plays a significant role in the overall management of hazardous waste, but they do not define 'disposal' itself.