Waste is hazardous when it contains substances or has properties that might make it harmful to human health or the environment.

The term ‘‘hazardous‘‘ does not always mean that such waste is immediately toxic, though some can be. By improving the way in which we manage all wastes classified as hazardous we reduce the risk they might pose now and in the future.

The management of such waste is controlled by a European Commission directive that is based on a hazardous waste list. Many of the types of waste on this list are already regarded as 'special waste' in the UK