Flammable hazardous waste is characterized by what feature?

Flammable hazardous waste is characterized by having a flash point below 140°F. This temperature threshold indicates the point at which a substance can ignite in air, making it a critical factor in determining whether a waste material is classified as flammable. Materials with a lower flash point are more likely to catch fire easily, necessitating stringent handling and disposal regulations to ensure safety and environmental protection.

Understanding this characteristic is essential for environmental compliance inspectors, as it informs the appropriate management practices for such materials. Ensuring that flammable hazardous waste is identified correctly is vital for maintaining safety standards during storage, transportation, and disposal.

The other options do not accurately define the characteristics of flammable hazardous waste. For example, while some flammable wastes may be disposed of under specific conditions, they cannot simply be classified as incapable of disposal. Not all flammable hazardous wastes are liquid; they can also be solids or gases. Finally, classifying flammable waste as inert and stable is incorrect, as flammable materials are characterized precisely by their potential for combustion rather than stability. Thus, the defining feature here is the flash point, making it the cornerstone of understanding flammable hazardous waste.