What is a common example of a hazardous waste material?

Used batteries are a common example of hazardous waste material because they contain toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, and sulfuric acid. These components can pose serious environmental and health risks if not handled properly. Disposal of used batteries is regulated to prevent these hazardous materials from contaminating soil and water sources.

In contrast, items like sand, old newspapers, and glass bottles are typically not classified as hazardous waste. Sand is a natural resource that poses no toxicity. Old newspapers are recyclable but do not contain harmful substances. Glass bottles, while they can break and pose a physical hazard, are also recyclable and do not leach harmful chemicals in the same way that batteries do. Thus, used batteries stand out as a significant example of hazardous waste due to their chemical composition and potential environmental impact.