40 CFR §261.23
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)A solid waste exhibits the characteristic of reactivity if a representative sample of the waste has any of the following properties:
- (1)It is normally unstable and readily undergoes violent change without detonating.
- (2)It reacts violently with water.
- (3)It forms potentially explosive mixtures with water.
- (4)When mixed with water, it generates toxic gases, vapors or fumes in a quantity sufficient to present a danger to human health or the environment.
- (5)It is a cyanide or sulfide bearing waste which, when exposed to pH conditions between 2 and 12.5, can generate toxic gases, vapors or fumes in a quantity sufficient to present a danger to human health or the environment.
- (6)It is capable of detonation or explosive reaction if it is subjected to a strong initiating source or if heated under confinement.
- (7)It is readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or reaction at standard temperature and pressure.
- (8)It is a forbidden explosive as defined in 49 CFR 173.54, or is a Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 explosive as defined in 49 CFR 173.50 and 173.53.
- (b)A solid waste that exhibits the characteristic of reactivity has the EPA Hazardous Waste Number of D003.