Which of the following is NOT a typical use of dams?

Dams are typically constructed for various beneficial purposes, including recreation, irrigation, and transportation. Recreation involves activities like fishing, boating, and camping that occur in the reservoirs created by dams, enhancing access to natural resources and recreational spaces. Irrigation is another common use, where water stored behind dams is released to support agricultural needs, especially in arid regions. Transportation often refers to how water bodies formed by dams can facilitate shipping and navigation, offering routes for the movement of goods.

In contrast, waste disposal is not a conventional function of dam systems. Using a dam for waste disposal raises significant environmental concerns, such as contamination of water supplies and detrimental impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Thus, while some improper disposal could happen around some facilities due to neglect or poor management, it does not align with the standard and intended purposes of dam construction and operation, making it a clear outlier among the typical uses of dams.