In waste management, what is the main purpose of testing waste material?

The main purpose of testing waste material is to identify contamination. This step is critical in waste management because understanding the composition of waste allows for effective treatment and disposal methods. Identifying contamination helps in determining the presence of hazardous substances, which may pose risks to health, safety, and the environment.

By testing waste, facilities ensure compliance with regulations and standards for proper waste handling. It also plays a key role in ensuring that recyclable materials are adequately separated from contaminated waste, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of recycling programs and reducing the potential for environmental liabilities.

The other options, while relevant to aspects of waste management, do not capture the primary goal of testing waste materials as explicitly as identifying contamination does.