Final answer:
The fifth phase of the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) life cycle is disposal. After hazardous materials are no longer usable, they must be disposed of properly to prevent environmental contamination and health hazards, under regulations set by the EPA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The five phases of the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) life cycle are production, transportation, storage, use, and disposal.
Hazardous materials, once they have reached the end of their usable life, must be properly disposed of to prevent harm to human health and the environment.
The disposal process is a critical phase where the waste is treated, if necessary, and then disposed of in a manner that reduces its impact on the environment.
This entire process is overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to manage hazardous waste from its point of generation until its ultimate disposal in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Hazardous waste can take various forms, including solid, liquid, and gaseous states, and may possess characteristics such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity.
It is the responsibility of hazardous waste generators to ensure that their waste is properly identified, managed, and treated prior to recycling or disposal.
These practices are not only necessary for protection of the environment and public health but can also involve recycling of the materials, which can reduce the consumption of raw materials and the volume of waste needing to be treated.