Which of the following options is a primary component of hazardous waste?

Contaminated soil is regarded as a primary component of hazardous waste because it can contain harmful substances that pose serious risks to human health and the environment. When soil becomes contaminated, it can harbor toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and pathogens that have leached into it from various sources such as industrial activities, spills, or improper waste disposal. As such, the management and remediation of contaminated soil are critical components of environmental protection and public health safety, requiring specialized handling to prevent further spreading of contaminants and to mitigate potential risks.

Other types of waste listed, while they may be hazardous in certain contexts, do not inherently classify as primary components of hazardous waste on their own. For instance, packaging waste can vary broadly in composition and may not always be hazardous. Electronic waste is hazardous primarily due to specific components, but not all electronic waste is considered hazardous. Liquid waste can also be hazardous, but it encompasses a wider range of substances and does not specifically indicate a primary concern like contaminated soil does in the context of hazardous waste management.