Which of the following best defines commodities in the context of waste management?

In the context of waste management, commodities refer to materials that possess utility or monetary value. This designation indicates that these materials can be reused, recycled, or sold, making them valuable in various markets. For instance, recyclable materials like plastics, metals, and paper are often processed and incorporated back into manufacturing, showcasing their economic worth. Recognizing materials as commodities highlights the potential for resource recovery and promotes sustainable practices within waste management systems.

The other choices fail to capture the essence of what defines a commodity. Some materials are indeed disposed of, but that alone does not qualify them as commodities. Commodities inherently have an aspect of value or usefulness, which is absent in the assertion that they hold no trade value. While hazardous materials are a significant concern in waste management, labeling something as hazardous does not automatically confer it commodity status, as many hazardous materials may require specific handling and disposal without any trade value.