Taking Care of Trash on Shabbos
Q. What are the Halachic issues that arise and relate to the handling and disposing of trash on Shabbos?
Tying Knots
Tying knots is one of the 39 forbidden Melachos on Shabbos[1]. Depending on factors such as the type of knot and how long it will remain in place, tying it may be Biblically forbidden, Rabbinically forbidden or completely permissible.
To be Biblically forbidden to tie or untie, the knot must be permanent[2], meaning that it is tied with the intention that it will remain in place for ever, meaning that there is no intention to untie the knot at any future point in time[3]. According to some authorities[4], the knot must also be a professional knot to constitute a Biblical prohibition. Halacha is concerned for this opinion[5].
A single knot is not considered a knot at all[6] as it will not hold. A double knot is considered a knot. Since it could be considered as a ‘professional knot’, it is Rabbinically forbidden to tie, even if one plans to reopen it within 24 hours[7].
A bow is also not considered a knot[8] and may be tied and untied without any concern. However, if the bow is tied on top of a knot, in the manner that we tie shoelaces, it is considered a knot[9]. Since this type of knot is not tight, it is not considered to be a ‘professional knot’[10]. Therefore, if one intends to untie it within 24 hours, it will be completely permissible to tie and untie on Shabbos. If it was tied to last for longer than 1 day, it is Rabbinically forbidden to tie or untie and if it was tied to remain indefinitely, it could constitute a Biblical prohibition.
Based on these classifications, a garbage bag may not be tied closed with a double knot[11]. One may also not tie the garbage bag ‘ends’ or drawstring with a single knot and bow, in the way that we tie shoelaces. This is because unlike shoelaces, which may be tied because they will be untied daily, one does not plan to reopen a garbage bag. Therefore, it is considered a permanent knot, which could entail a Biblical violation.
One may tie a single knot with the two ‘ends’ or drawstrings of the garbage bag. However, the bag may not be gathered together and tied into a single knot as this is also tight and will be considered a knot. A single slipknot bow may be tied.
When can I take out Garbage?
Garbage is generally considered to be Muktzah. Nonetheless, under certain circumstances one is allowed to move it, based on the principle of Geraf Shel Re’i[12]. Based on this principle, one is allowed to move a Muktzah object that is disgusting, if it is in a place where it causes us bother or discomfort or if it produces a foul smell[13]. One is allowed to remove it even by carrying it in the regular manner, even though it is Muktzah. This dispensation is on account of Kovod Habriyos - the dignity of people[14].
Based on this one would be allowed to remove rubbish that is in a room which is being used on Shabbos if it is disturbing, smelling or unsightly. One may also sweep up rubbish even if there is Muktzah on the floor, such as dust, lint or sand. Similarly, one may remove dead animals or bugs, dirty diapers and the like based on the same principle.
If the ‘offending item’ is in a place which no one will be using for the remainder of Shabbos and it does not produce an odour which bothers people, one may not move it[15].
The Poskim[16] extend the allowance of a Geraf Shel Re’i to a garbage bin that is full and no other bin is available to use. In this case, the garbage can be removed and emptied, even if the garbage is not bothersome. This is in order to make place for new garbage.
When taking out the garbage, it may be taken out either in the bag or by carrying the entire rubbish bin.
Taking out the Trash
When Halachically permitted, one is allowed to take out the garbage and place it in the outside bin. In a place where there is an Eruv this may even be done if the bin is situated outside and there is no fence around one’s property. In places where there is no Eruv, the garbage may only be taken outside if one remains within their fenced property.
Garbage may be left out on the curb from before Shabbos or Yomtov, to be collected by the non-Jewish authorities on Shabbos or Yomtov. This is because the garbage collectors are doing their job for the council and not for the sake of the individual residents.
Returning the Bin
A garbage bin itself is considered to be Muktzah. This is because it is disgusting and would not be used for any other purpose.
When the garbage bin is removed to be emptied, if the bin remained in one’s hand, it may be returned to its place indoors without any concern. This follows the rule that when Muktzah has been picked up in a permissible manner, it need not be put down immediately[17].
If the bin was put down after being emptied, it may not be picked up and carried inside again. This is because the allowance of a Geraf Shel Re’i no longer applies once the garbage has been removed[18].
If one needs to use the bin again over Shabbos and had already put the bin down, they may techincally return it by placing potable water into the bin on Shabbos[19]. Even though this leniency is generally not relied upon to move Muktzah objects, in this case, where the Geraf Shel Re’i is still needed, we can be lenient in the interest of human dignity[20].
If a non-Muktzah object that was needed for use on Shabbos, was placed in the bin from before Shabbos, it would be permitted according to all opinions to return the bin. An example would be if pre-torn spare garbage bags are stored at the bottom of the bin.
Other Poskim are lenient with plastic and metal bins which are clean. Since they are impervious and do not absorb, they do not become Muktzah[21]. Even then, if the bin had rubbish in it at the onset of Shabbos, the bin itself would be rendered Muktzah according to all opinions, as the bin has become a base (Bosis) to a Muktzah item.
A bin which is Muktzah may be kicked to its desired location or moved in another backhanded manner, without using one’s hands to touch it.
Garbage Bags
A fresh garbage bag itself is not Muktzah, however once Muktzah rubbish has been placed into it, the bag becomes Muktzah. Often when clearing off a table, a person will carry a bag and go around to collect the garbage. This is permissible because the garbage bag was empty and hence not Muktzah when it was first picked up. If the bag was put down, one would not be able to pick up the bag again to clear-off another course[22]. One may not wheel a garbage bin around to collect rubbish. However, in this case too, if a non-Muktzah object that was needed for use on Shabbos was in the bin from before Shabbos, the bin does not become Muktzah.
If the bags are attached to one another on a roll, it is forbidden to tear them off to separate them. This action would be like making a vessel, since the garbage bag only becomes useable once it it detached. One should remember to pre-tear bags before Shabbos, or buy pre-torn garbage bags.
Built-in Bins
In many homes, the kitchen bin is attached to the inside door of a cupboard. If the cupboard is used to store other things, the door is not considered Muktzah and may be opened. If the cupboard only houses the garbage bin, the door itself would be considered Muktzah.
Some garbage bins are not attached to the door but are stored in the cupboard on rollers. These bins may not be rolled out on Shabbos using one’s hand. However, one may use one’s foot to open and close the bin as needed.
____________________________
[1] Shabbos 73a, Rambam Hilchos Shabbos 7:1
[2] Shabbos 113a
[3] Shulchan Aruch Harav 317:1
[4] Rif 41b, Rambam Hilchos Shabbos 10:1. Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 317:1
[5] Tur, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 317
[6] Shulchan Aruch Harav 317:3
[7] Ram”o 317:1 and Shulchan Aruch Harav 317:2
[8] Shulchan Aruch 317:5
[9] Ta”z 317:7 and Magen Avraham 317:15
[10] ibid
[11] Ram”o 317:1 and Shulchan Aruch Harav 317:2
[12] Shabbos 121b, Rambam Hilchos Shabbos 26:13, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 308:34
[13] Orchos Chaim 308:21
[14] Magen Avraham Orach Chaim 308:59
[15] Rambam Hilchos Shabbos 26:13, Shulchan Aruch Harav 308:72
[16] Magen Avraham 308:59, Shulchan Aruch Harav Orach Chaim 308:72
[17] Magen Avraham Orach Chaim 308:60, Shulchan Aruch Harav 308:74. The Alter Rebbe writes that it is still good to be stringent to place a non-Muktzah item into the bin before returning it, even if it remained in one’s hand.
[18] Based on Beitza 36b, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 308:35
[19] Shulchan Aruch Harav 308:73
[20] Shulchan Aruch Harav 308:73
[21] Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 22:49
[22] Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 22:40*
Tying Knots
Tying knots is one of the 39 forbidden Melachos on Shabbos[1]. Depending on factors such as the type of knot and how long it will remain in place, tying it may be Biblically forbidden, Rabbinically forbidden or completely permissible.
To be Biblically forbidden to tie or untie, the knot must be permanent[2], meaning that it is tied with the intention that it will remain in place for ever, meaning that there is no intention to untie the knot at any future point in time[3]. According to some authorities[4], the knot must also be a professional knot to constitute a Biblical prohibition. Halacha is concerned for this opinion[5].
A single knot is not considered a knot at all[6] as it will not hold. A double knot is considered a knot. Since it could be considered as a ‘professional knot’, it is Rabbinically forbidden to tie, even if one plans to reopen it within 24 hours[7].
A bow is also not considered a knot[8] and may be tied and untied without any concern. However, if the bow is tied on top of a knot, in the manner that we tie shoelaces, it is considered a knot[9]. Since this type of knot is not tight, it is not considered to be a ‘professional knot’[10]. Therefore, if one intends to untie it within 24 hours, it will be completely permissible to tie and untie on Shabbos. If it was tied to last for longer than 1 day, it is Rabbinically forbidden to tie or untie and if it was tied to remain indefinitely, it could constitute a Biblical prohibition.
Based on these classifications, a garbage bag may not be tied closed with a double knot[11]. One may also not tie the garbage bag ‘ends’ or drawstring with a single knot and bow, in the way that we tie shoelaces. This is because unlike shoelaces, which may be tied because they will be untied daily, one does not plan to reopen a garbage bag. Therefore, it is considered a permanent knot, which could entail a Biblical violation.
One may tie a single knot with the two ‘ends’ or drawstrings of the garbage bag. However, the bag may not be gathered together and tied into a single knot as this is also tight and will be considered a knot. A single slipknot bow may be tied.
When can I take out Garbage?
Garbage is generally considered to be Muktzah. Nonetheless, under certain circumstances one is allowed to move it, based on the principle of Geraf Shel Re’i[12]. Based on this principle, one is allowed to move a Muktzah object that is disgusting, if it is in a place where it causes us bother or discomfort or if it produces a foul smell[13]. One is allowed to remove it even by carrying it in the regular manner, even though it is Muktzah. This dispensation is on account of Kovod Habriyos - the dignity of people[14].
Based on this one would be allowed to remove rubbish that is in a room which is being used on Shabbos if it is disturbing, smelling or unsightly. One may also sweep up rubbish even if there is Muktzah on the floor, such as dust, lint or sand. Similarly, one may remove dead animals or bugs, dirty diapers and the like based on the same principle.
If the ‘offending item’ is in a place which no one will be using for the remainder of Shabbos and it does not produce an odour which bothers people, one may not move it[15].
The Poskim[16] extend the allowance of a Geraf Shel Re’i to a garbage bin that is full and no other bin is available to use. In this case, the garbage can be removed and emptied, even if the garbage is not bothersome. This is in order to make place for new garbage.
When taking out the garbage, it may be taken out either in the bag or by carrying the entire rubbish bin.
Taking out the Trash
When Halachically permitted, one is allowed to take out the garbage and place it in the outside bin. In a place where there is an Eruv this may even be done if the bin is situated outside and there is no fence around one’s property. In places where there is no Eruv, the garbage may only be taken outside if one remains within their fenced property.
Garbage may be left out on the curb from before Shabbos or Yomtov, to be collected by the non-Jewish authorities on Shabbos or Yomtov. This is because the garbage collectors are doing their job for the council and not for the sake of the individual residents.
Returning the Bin
A garbage bin itself is considered to be Muktzah. This is because it is disgusting and would not be used for any other purpose.
When the garbage bin is removed to be emptied, if the bin remained in one’s hand, it may be returned to its place indoors without any concern. This follows the rule that when Muktzah has been picked up in a permissible manner, it need not be put down immediately[17].
If the bin was put down after being emptied, it may not be picked up and carried inside again. This is because the allowance of a Geraf Shel Re’i no longer applies once the garbage has been removed[18].
If one needs to use the bin again over Shabbos and had already put the bin down, they may techincally return it by placing potable water into the bin on Shabbos[19]. Even though this leniency is generally not relied upon to move Muktzah objects, in this case, where the Geraf Shel Re’i is still needed, we can be lenient in the interest of human dignity[20].
If a non-Muktzah object that was needed for use on Shabbos, was placed in the bin from before Shabbos, it would be permitted according to all opinions to return the bin. An example would be if pre-torn spare garbage bags are stored at the bottom of the bin.
Other Poskim are lenient with plastic and metal bins which are clean. Since they are impervious and do not absorb, they do not become Muktzah[21]. Even then, if the bin had rubbish in it at the onset of Shabbos, the bin itself would be rendered Muktzah according to all opinions, as the bin has become a base (Bosis) to a Muktzah item.
A bin which is Muktzah may be kicked to its desired location or moved in another backhanded manner, without using one’s hands to touch it.
Garbage Bags
A fresh garbage bag itself is not Muktzah, however once Muktzah rubbish has been placed into it, the bag becomes Muktzah. Often when clearing off a table, a person will carry a bag and go around to collect the garbage. This is permissible because the garbage bag was empty and hence not Muktzah when it was first picked up. If the bag was put down, one would not be able to pick up the bag again to clear-off another course[22]. One may not wheel a garbage bin around to collect rubbish. However, in this case too, if a non-Muktzah object that was needed for use on Shabbos was in the bin from before Shabbos, the bin does not become Muktzah.
If the bags are attached to one another on a roll, it is forbidden to tear them off to separate them. This action would be like making a vessel, since the garbage bag only becomes useable once it it detached. One should remember to pre-tear bags before Shabbos, or buy pre-torn garbage bags.
Built-in Bins
In many homes, the kitchen bin is attached to the inside door of a cupboard. If the cupboard is used to store other things, the door is not considered Muktzah and may be opened. If the cupboard only houses the garbage bin, the door itself would be considered Muktzah.
Some garbage bins are not attached to the door but are stored in the cupboard on rollers. These bins may not be rolled out on Shabbos using one’s hand. However, one may use one’s foot to open and close the bin as needed.
____________________________
[1] Shabbos 73a, Rambam Hilchos Shabbos 7:1
[2] Shabbos 113a
[3] Shulchan Aruch Harav 317:1
[4] Rif 41b, Rambam Hilchos Shabbos 10:1. Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 317:1
[5] Tur, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 317
[6] Shulchan Aruch Harav 317:3
[7] Ram”o 317:1 and Shulchan Aruch Harav 317:2
[8] Shulchan Aruch 317:5
[9] Ta”z 317:7 and Magen Avraham 317:15
[10] ibid
[11] Ram”o 317:1 and Shulchan Aruch Harav 317:2
[12] Shabbos 121b, Rambam Hilchos Shabbos 26:13, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 308:34
[13] Orchos Chaim 308:21
[14] Magen Avraham Orach Chaim 308:59
[15] Rambam Hilchos Shabbos 26:13, Shulchan Aruch Harav 308:72
[16] Magen Avraham 308:59, Shulchan Aruch Harav Orach Chaim 308:72
[17] Magen Avraham Orach Chaim 308:60, Shulchan Aruch Harav 308:74. The Alter Rebbe writes that it is still good to be stringent to place a non-Muktzah item into the bin before returning it, even if it remained in one’s hand.
[18] Based on Beitza 36b, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 308:35
[19] Shulchan Aruch Harav 308:73
[20] Shulchan Aruch Harav 308:73
[21] Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 22:49
[22] Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 22:40*