Which type of waste would typically require special handling due to its hazardous nature?

Pharmaceutical waste typically requires special handling due to its hazardous nature because it can contain active chemicals that are harmful to human health and the environment. Many pharmaceuticals are designed to affect biological systems and can be toxic in small quantities. When disposed of improperly, they can contaminate water supplies and ecosystems, posing risks to wildlife and humans.

This waste can include expired medications, unused prescriptions, and other pharmaceutical products that must be managed according to specific regulations to ensure safe disposal. This often involves incineration or other controlled methods to prevent their release into the environment.

In contrast, food waste, glass waste, and organic garden waste are typically managed through more standard waste disposal processes, such as composting or recycling, and do not carry the same level of environmental or health risk as pharmaceutical waste. Thus, the special handling requirement is uniquely relevant for pharmaceutical waste, emphasizing the importance of proper protocols in waste management to safeguard public health and the environment.