Am I Allowed to Throw Garbage on Shabbat?

Quiz

1 - Is there any problem with moving a garbage bag on Shabbat?

• No, it’s not electric
• Yes, since you clearly don’t intend to use or can’t use on Shabbat (called “muktza machmas gufo”)
• Yes, as it may contain items that are forbidden on Shabbat

2 - When can garbage be moved on Shabbat?

• Whenever one wants
• Never since it is muktzah
• If the garbage is causing a bad smell in the house. One is permitted to move it (geraf shel re’i)

3 - If the garbage is overflowing, but not smelly, can it be moved?

• Yes, since that’s what you would normally do
• No, since it’s not a pleasant task and it should be avoided on Shabbat
• This is a debate amongst halachic authorities. If there’s no other reasonable place to throw away garbage, some Poskim are lenient