The public can hold onto the dregs, because the rest has gone to the profiteers.
From the morningstaronline.co.uk
The mine abounds in highly contaminating waste, such as smelting dregs and ash.
From the sciencedaily.com
They sat at four tables next to where I was draining the dregs of a coffee cup.
From the time.com
Perhaps the Lakers simply can't do any better against the dregs of the league.
From the dailynews.com
It's a convincing, compelling wallow in society's dregs, and as grim as they come.
From the guardian.co.uk
These useless dregs of society must not be allowed to determine Government policy.
From the guardian.co.uk
The real problem here is the dregs of society and our inability to deal with them.
From the guardian.co.uk
During most gold rushes, early arrivals prosper but latecomers get the dregs.
From the economist.com
Oregon State and Oregon were the dregs of college football in the late 1970s.
From the sacbee.com
More examples
Sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid
(dreg) a small amount of residue
The Dregs are a popular comedy folk band based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Primarily known for their improvised stage antics and twisted song lyrics, the six-person act performs on stages around the Midwest and can be heard on five recorded albums.
(dreg) Sediment in a liquid; By extension, the lowest and most worthless part of something
(DREG) The dregs of society, usually the unclean, contaminated outlanders. Almost as bad as mutants.
(Dreg) Shadow - S5 - Minion of Glory
(Psa 75:8; Isa 51:17, Isa 51:22), the lees of wine which settle at the bottom of the vessel.