Which of the following hazardous waste characteristics indicates a waste that can easily ignite?

The characteristic that indicates a waste that can easily ignite is ignitability. This property refers to the ability of a substance to catch fire and burn. Ignitable wastes typically include solids that can spontaneously combust or liquids that have a flash point below 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). These materials can pose significant risks in terms of fire hazards, thus requiring special handling, storage, and disposal measures to ensure safety.

Ignitability is a critical factor in hazardous waste identification because it not only identifies materials that pose immediate dangers in terms of fires but also helps in enforcing regulatory compliance by ensuring that organizations manage these materials appropriately. Understanding this characteristic is essential in hazardous waste management, as it alerts handlers and regulators to the potential for combustion and helps prevent accidents in waste storage and treatment facilities.