Which type of hazardous waste includes items that contain harmful chemicals?

Electrical items are classified as hazardous waste because they often contain harmful chemicals and materials that can be detrimental to both human health and the environment. Examples of these hazardous materials include lead, cadmium, mercury, and brominated flame retardants, which can leach into soil and water if these items are disposed of improperly.

In comparison, while non-recyclable plastics might contribute to environmental issues due to their persistence in landfills, they don’t typically contain the same level of toxic substances. Organic waste, which consists of biodegradable materials like food scraps and yard waste, also does not have harmful chemicals associated with it. Paper products, on the other hand, are generally recyclable and not linked to hazardous materials when disposed of properly. Hence, electrical items stand out as the category that commonly encompasses a variety of harmful chemicals, justifying their classification as hazardous waste.