A new method for constructing an environmental risk analysis and assessment index system for hazardous waste

• Provincial-level hazardous waste risk assessment with 13 indicators. • Categorized provincial hazardous waste factors into 4 grades. • Covers entire hazardous waste lifecycle from production to disposal. • AHP to determine indicator weights scientifically. This research aims to construct a hazardous waste environmental risk assessment index system for more effective waste management in China. A methodology based on hazard identification and risk assessment is addressed, breaking down it into the various provinces of China. The potential environmental risk was assessed systematically, adopting Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), throughout the lifecycle of hazardous waste, associated with the production, collection, storage, transportation, treatment, utilization, and disposal. Based on statistical data, 13 indicator factors were identified, and the influencing factors for evaluating the environmental risk hazards of hazardous wastes in each province were classified into four standard grades. The results indicate that the environmental risk assessment values of hazardous waste in all provinces of China are below 0.5, and the overall risk level is low to moderate, indicating a good level. It is worth noting that 94% of provinces have assessment values below 0.4, and the highest observed province assessment value reaches 0.48, indicating that local areas are close to the medium to high risk threshold. This hazardous waste environmental risk assessment index system can provide a reference for enhancing the level of refined management and risk prevention and control capabilities concerning hazardous waste in China.