Define "hazardous waste" under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

The definition of "hazardous waste" under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) focuses on the potential dangers this type of waste poses to public health and the environment. The legislation delineates hazardous waste as any solid waste that can be harmful to human health or the environment, primarily due to its chemical composition, characteristics, or the manner of its disposal. This includes waste that is toxic, ignitable, corrosive, or reactive.

In this context, the correct choice highlights the essential aspect of hazardous waste: its substantial or potential threats to public health and the environment. Such characterization is crucial as it guides regulation, management, and disposal practices for these types of waste, ensuring that public health is protected and environmental contamination is minimized.

Other choices lack a direct connection to the significant hazards concerning public health and the environment. For instance, while recycling is beneficial, it does not necessarily denote danger, nor does agricultural waste inherently qualify as hazardous unless it meets specific criteria outlined in the legislation. Lastly, non-toxic waste is explicitly excluded from the hazardous waste definition, as it poses no substantial risk to health or the environment.