A waste that contains both radioactive and hazardous waste components is categorized as what type of waste?

The classification of waste that contains both radioactive and hazardous waste components is referred to as mixed waste. This designation is crucial because it encompasses the complexities associated with managing waste that is hazardous due to its chemical properties and also poses additional risks due to its radioactive elements.

Mixed waste must be handled with particular care due to the different regulatory frameworks governing the disposal and treatment of hazardous and radioactive waste. Regulations may require specific storage, handling, transportation, and disposal methods to protect human health and the environment, considering the hazardous nature of both components.

In contrast, the terms solid waste, hazardous waste, and industrial waste do not fully capture the dual nature of mixed waste. While solid waste generally refers to non-liquid waste, hazardous waste solely pertains to materials that pose a risk during handling or disposal based on their chemical properties. Industrial waste typically refers to waste generated from manufacturing processes and does not automatically imply hazardous or radioactive characteristics. Therefore, mixed waste is the appropriate terminology for waste containing both radioactive and hazardous components.