What type of waste do discarded or abandoned materials fall under?

Discarded or abandoned materials primarily fall under the category of solid waste. This classification includes a broad range of non-liquid materials that are thrown away or are no longer in use, such as old appliances, construction debris, and packaging materials. Solid waste encompasses everyday items that are discarded, including items from homes, commercial establishments, and industrial processes.

In this context, while hazardous waste refers specifically to materials that pose substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment, not all discarded materials meet those criteria. Similarly, liquid waste pertains to waste that is in liquid form, and radioactive waste involves materials that are radioactive and require special handling and disposal methods. Abandoned materials typically do not qualify as either hazardous or liquid waste, making the classification of solid waste the most accurate choice in this scenario.