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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous waste is generally classified into four main categories:

1. Characteristic Wastes: These exhibit at least one of four hazardous traits: ignitability (flammable, like gasoline), corrosivity (can rust or decompose materials, like car batteries), reactivity (unstable and can explode, like aerosol cans), or toxicity (harmful when ingested, like lead-based paint).

2. Listed Wastes: These are specific wastes from manufacturing and industrial processes that the EPA has officially designated as hazardous. They include byproducts from processes that use solvents, pesticides, and other chemicals.

3. Universal Wastes: These are commonly generated hazardous items that are subject to streamlined regulations. Examples include batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment (e.g., bulbs), and some lamps.

4. Mixed Wastes: This category includes waste that contains both hazardous and radioactive components, making it subject to regulation by both the EPA and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Unfortunately, lead dust does not look different from any other type of dust. You cannot detect it with the naked eye. To determine if you have lead dust in your home, you will need to hire a local company to take a sample from the paint and test it for you in a lab.

Disposing of old paint, bleach, oil, and fertilizer should be handled by a company that specializes in this kind of waste. Many private junk removal companies do not dispose of these items. Because these materials are hazardous to the environment and dangerous to handle or dispose of improperly, you should confirm with your local municipality about places to take hazardous materials for safe disposal. 

Exterior paint contains a higher level of VOCs, which can be dangerous if you’re exposed to it for a long period of time. The good news is that paint’s toxicity reduces significantly once fully dried and cured. Do not keep open exterior paint cans in your home, basement, or garage, exposing your household to harmful chemicals over time.