Which statement accurately describes the toxic metals separated from non-metallic waste?

• A. Arsenic is included in the separation.
• B. Lead, cadmium, and mercury are separated.
• C. No toxic metals are separated.
• D. Only lead is separated.

Answer: (B)

Separating toxic metals from non-metallic waste is about reducing environmental and health risks by pulling out substances that can contaminate soil and water. Lead, cadmium, and mercury are consistently targeted because they are highly toxic, persistent, and commonly found in everyday products such as batteries, electronics, lamps, and switches. By removing these metals for safe disposal or recycling, the waste stream becomes easier to manage and meets hazardous-waste regulations. Arsenic is also hazardous, but the standard separation focus in many processes centers on these three metals due to their prevalence and regulatory priority; saying no toxic metals are separated ignores essential safety practices, and singling out only lead misses cadmium and mercury.