Hazardous waste is any waste material that, because of its physical, chemical, biological, toxic, corrosive, flammable, reactive, explosive or infectious properties, can cause harm to human health, property or the environment if it is improperly handled, stored, transported or disposed of. It may be generated from industries, hospitals, laboratories, agricultural activities, mining, petroleum operations and other commercial processes. Examples include waste solvents, pesticides, acids, alkalis, toxic chemicals, heavy-metal-containing wastes, contaminated oils, batteries, chemical sludge and certain biomedical wastes. Hazardous waste differs from ordinary solid waste because it requires special controls throughout its life cycle. Its improper disposal can contaminate soil and groundwater, pollute air, damage ecosystems and expose workers and nearby communities to serious health hazards. Therefore, hazardous waste management should follow the principles of identification, segregation, safe storage, treatment, transportation and final disposal. Safe disposal begins with proper identification and classification of the waste. The characteristics of the waste should be determined through appropriate testing and information from safety data sheets. Different hazardous wastes should be segregated according to their chemical and physical properties. Incompatible materials, such as acids and bases or oxidizing agents and