What does the term "hazardous waste" refer to?

The term "hazardous waste" specifically refers to waste materials that possess properties that can be harmful to human health or the environment. This can include substances that are toxic, ignitable, corrosive, or reactive, and these characteristics can lead to potential threats when not managed properly. As a result, hazardous waste requires careful handling, treatment, and disposal to mitigate its harmful effects.

In contrast, the other options describe types of waste that do not carry significant health or environmental risks. Waste that is easy to recycle typically refers to materials that can be reclaimed for their materials, which does not indicate any hazardous characteristics. Non-toxic household waste is just that—common refuse from households that doesn't pose a danger. Similarly, waste generated from food products usually consists of organic materials that are biodegradable and generally safe for appropriate disposal or composting, without the hazardous attributes that would categorize them as hazardous waste.