Worthless matter (5)
I believe the answer is:
dross
'worthless matter' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for dross that I've seen before include "Rubbish, scum" , "Rubbish; impurities" , "Refuse - dregs" , "Impurity" , "Worthless matter" .)