What preliminary step must be taken before processing hazardous waste?

Before processing hazardous waste, it is essential to characterize and classify the waste. This step involves determining the specific properties and constituents of the waste to identify its hazard level and appropriate management methods. Characterization includes evaluating the physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of the waste to ensure compliance with regulations and safety protocols. By classifying the waste, organizations can determine whether it needs to be treated, recycled, or disposed of in a specific manner that minimizes environmental impact and health risks.

Understanding these characteristics is critical because improper handling of hazardous waste can lead to significant legal, environmental, and health issues. Other actions, such as transporting the waste or treating it chemically, may be required after characterization, but they cannot be effectively undertaken without first understanding what the waste consists of and how it behaves. Thus, the characterization and classification of hazardous waste are foundational steps in any waste management plan.