Controlled waste is waste that is subject to legislative control in either its handling or its disposal. As a legal term, Controlled waste applies exclusively to the UK but the concept is enshrined in laws of many other countries. The types of waste covered includes domestic, commercial and industrial waste. They are regulated because of their toxicity, their hazardous nature or their capability to do harm to human health or the environment either now or at some time in the future. A prime concern is the effects of biodegradation or biochemical degradation and the by-products produced.