Which of the following is a characteristic of hazardous waste?

Reactivity is a characteristic of hazardous waste that reflects the potential of a substance to undergo a chemical reaction that can lead to hazardous situations. Reactive wastes can create toxic fumes, gases, or explosions when they come into contact with water or other materials. This characteristic is crucial for identifying hazardous waste and ensuring proper handling, storage, and disposal methods. Understanding reactivity is essential for preventing hazardous incidents in various environments, such as industrial sites or during transporting waste.

The other options do not effectively represent key characteristics typically associated with hazardous waste. Odorlessness suggests a lack of chemical smells, which does not inherently indicate a waste's hazardous nature. Inertness refers to the lack of reactivity, indicating that a substance does not pose a risk of chemical change that could produce dangerous reactions. Biodegradability implies that a substance can be broken down safely by natural processes, often not associated with hazardous waste, as many hazardous materials do not degrade easily and can persist in the environment. Thus, reactivity stands out as a critical and defining feature of hazardous waste management.