Which of the following is a characteristic of hazardous waste?

Ignitability as a characteristic of hazardous waste refers to the ability of a material to easily catch fire and burn. This property is crucial for identifying hazardous waste because it poses significant risks during storage, transportation, and disposal. Waste that is ignitable typically includes substances that can ignite under certain conditions, such as liquids with very low flashpoints or solids that can combust spontaneously.

Flammability is a broader term related to how easily a material can catch fire, but ignitability specifically defines the thresholds under which the waste can be considered hazardous. Therefore, while ignitability can be viewed as a type of flammability, the term is more specific in the context of hazardous waste regulations.

Biodegradability, while important for understanding the environmental impact of waste, does not classify a material as hazardous. Similarly, being odorless does not inherently characterize waste as hazardous, as many hazardous wastes can have distinct odors. Thus, identifying ignitability is key for environmental health specialists tasked with managing waste and protecting public health and safety.