Waste that is greater than 50% moisture content is considered liquid waste, or High Moisture Content Waste (HMCW). This waste stream includes off-specification, outdated, or recalled commercial products, including food, beverages, and non-hazardous household products in original individual consumer packaging. These items may include canned foods, beer, wine, soft drinks, fruit juices, milk, yogurt, ice cream, skin lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and other non-hazardous HMCW contained in original consumer sized packaging.
HMCW also includes waste that is generated from commercial activities such as storm drain cleaning, roadway grinding, drilling operations, filtering solids, and other HMCW generated from similar activities.