Liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter is classified as what?

Liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter is classified as sewage. This term specifically refers to the wastewater that includes not just urine and fecal matter from human sources but also organic materials such as food scraps and plant matter. Sewage is typically associated with municipal systems where wastewater is collected and treated before being discharged.

In contrast, wastewater generally refers to any used water from domestic or industrial activities and may not always contain organic materials. Effluent refers to wastewater that has been treated and is being discharged from a treatment facility, often into a body of water. Sludge is the semi-solid material that remains after the treatment of wastewater and is not regarded as liquid waste.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial in plumbing and wastewater management as they pertain to legal regulations, treatment processes, and environmental impacts.