Which of the following is considered part of municipal solid waste?

Household trash and recyclables are categorized as municipal solid waste because they are directly generated by residential, commercial, and institutional sources within a municipality. Municipal solid waste typically includes items such as food scraps, packaging materials, paper, plastics, and metal containers that are routinely disposed of or recycled by households and businesses.

In contrast, construction debris consists of waste materials generated from building and demolition activities, which are not classified under municipal solid waste. Hazardous industrial waste pertains to materials produced during industrial processes that can pose significant risks to human health and the environment, thus being regulated separately. Medical waste, which arises from healthcare facilities, contains potentially hazardous substances and is governed by strict regulations to prevent contamination and ensure safe disposal.

Understanding what constitutes municipal solid waste helps in effective waste management practices and the development of recycling programs aimed at reducing landfill use and promoting environmental sustainability.