Final answer:
Characteristic hazardous wastes are materials defined by properties such as toxicity, corrosivity, flammability, or reactivity and pose risks to health and the environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
A group of hazardous materials that share dangerous characteristics is known as characteristic hazardous wastes. These materials are defined by their properties, which include being toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided detailed classifications for these wastes to ensure they are managed appropriately to minimize risks to human health and the environment. Toxic wastes, for instance, are harmful when ingested or absorbed and can include old batteries, pesticides, paint, and car oil. Another indicator of hazardous materials is the presence of the hazard diamond on containers, providing a quick reference to the material's dangers.