What defines ignitability in hazardous waste?

Ignitability in hazardous waste is defined by the characteristic of a waste that has a flash point less than 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). This means that such wastes can easily catch fire and pose a significant risk of fire and explosion. The flash point is the temperature at which a substance can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air, which is a critical factor in determining the safety and handling procedures for hazardous materials.

The definition of ignitability is crucial for waste management and environmental safety, as it helps regulators and waste handlers identify materials that require special care to prevent fires and environmental hazards. By recognizing these wastes, appropriate measures can be implemented to handle, store, and dispose of ignitable materials safely.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of classifying hazardous waste accurately to protect human health and the environment. Other choices do not relate to the concept of ignitability; they either describe characteristics that do not pertain to the danger of ignition or imply safety or biodegradability, which do not apply to the criteria for determining a waste's ignitability.