Why is it crucial to separate hazardous waste from regular waste?

Separating hazardous waste from regular waste is essential to prevent contamination and to safeguard human health and the environment. Hazardous waste can contain toxic substances, chemicals, or biological agents that can pose significant risks if not managed properly. If hazardous materials are mixed with regular waste, they can leach into water supplies, contaminate soil, and create unsafe conditions for workers and communities involved in waste management.

By keeping hazardous waste separate, proper disposal methods can be applied, ensuring that these materials are treated or disposed of in a way that minimizes their harmful impact. Furthermore, this separation helps in complying with regulations and best practices in waste management, which are designed to protect public health and the environment. It allows for necessary handling precautions that regular waste does not require, thereby facilitating a safer waste management process.