hazardous waste

noun

1. any industrial by-product, especially from the manufacture of chemicals, that is destructive to the environment or dangerous to the health of people or animals: Hazardous wastes often contaminate ground water.

1. A used or discarded material that can damage the environment and be harmful to health. Hazardous wastes include heavy metals and toxic chemicals used in industrial products and processes as well as infectious medical wastes and radioactive materials such as spent nuclear fuel rods.