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So, you've built your dream Sukkah, celebrated Sukkot, and now you’re staring at the leftover Schach (that leafy stuff on the roof) wondering, “What on earth do I do with this now?” Throw it away? Store it? Use it as dried-out quirky home décor? Or can you recycle it?
Well, wonder no more. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Schach disposal and sustainability – yes, it's a thing.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle... Schach?
The short answer is: yes, you can recycle Schach ! In fact, not only can you recycle it, but according to many Torah scholars, you should. Rav Gavriel Bechoffer (Rosh Kollel in Skokie, Illinois) reminds us that recycling aligns beautifully with core Jewish values like “loving your neighbor” and “performing acts of kindness ” (g’milut chasadim).
By recycling, you're not just clearing space in your yard; you’re helping preserve the environment for future generations – who knows, maybe your great-great-grandkids will thank you for that!
Choni and the Carob Tree: A Timeless Lesson in Schach
Recycling Schach ties into an age-old story from the Talmud. Choni HaMa’agal once saw a farmer planting a carob tree and asked when it would bear fruit. “In seventy years,” he answered. Choni, ever the practical man, then inquired with the farmer why he was bothering planting this tree at all, since he wouldn't even live to see the fruit. The farmer's response? “Just as others planted trees for me, I plant for future generations.”
Recycling, you see, is just like planting that carob tree. You’re doing it not just for yourself, but for those who come after you.
The ‘Bal Tashchit’ Factor: Don’t Waste!
Here’s where things get really interesting. There’s a mitzvahcalled “Bal Tashchit,” which forbids unnecessary waste. So if recycling is easy (which it mostly is these days), then tossing your Schach into the garbage without a second thought might not only be bad for the environment but also against halacha (Jewish law).
Pro tip: Many looking for a way to avoid waste entirely, invest in reusable bamboo Schach mats. The highest-quality ones are usually certified as kosher l’mehadrin, and should come with a heavy-duty storage bag, so there’s no more scrambling to find leaves every year!
…and in case you’re wondering what makes Schach Kosher, and what kosher l’Mehadrin even is, check out our complete guide: Schach 101: Your Guide to Kosher Schach this Sukkot
A Balanced Approach: Schach and Sustainability
Now, before you turn into the world’s most intense recycler, it’s important to note that Judaism encourages balance. Rav Kook famously said we shouldn’t obsess over any one value to the exclusion of others – so don’t panic if you can’t recycle every piece of Schach! Balance sustainability with other needs, like economic growth and practicality.
In fact, another famous sage, the Ramban, teaches us that we’re given a divine license to use the world’s resources. After all, mining metals and building things is part of humanity’s role. So, no guilt trips here if you can’t recycle one year – just some encouragement to do what you can for the environment.
The Sukkah Store’s “Schach for Life” Program
If you want to make your Sukkah game truly sustainable, check out The Sukkah Store’s Free Schach for Life program. We offer high-quality, reusable bamboo Schach mats – certified Kosher l’Mehadrin by the Eida Chareidis – replaced every five years to keep things fresh and easy. This way, you don’t have to worry about whether your Schach will last through next Sukkot.
It’s a win-win: sustainable, Kosher, and hassle-free Schach, delivered right to your door.
How to Recycle Schach
As we mentioned, for those using non-reusable Schach, recycling is definitely the way to go. Depending on your local laws, you can compost it or include it in yard waste collection. Just don’t forget to check whether your city offers a green bin for plant material.
In fact, according to some, ignoring such recycling laws might even violate the principle ofdina d’malchuta dina, the requirement to follow the law of the land. So, sort that Schach with pride!
A Final Thought from the Midrash: Take Care of the Planet
Let’s leave you with some words of wisdom from the Midrash (Kohelet Rabba 7:31): When G-d created Adam, He showed him all the trees of the Garden of Eden and said, “See how beautiful My works are. Everything I created is for your benefit – just make sure you don’t destroy the world, because if you do, there’s no one to fix it after you.”
Recycling your Schach, it would seem, is a small but meaningful way to fulfill this divine mandate. So go ahead – be a moderate conservationist, plant your carob tree, and do your part to keep our planet thriving for generations to come.
By making simple and practical choices like recycling Schach or opting for reusable bamboo Schach mat options, you’re taking steps toward a greener, more sustainable world. Whether it’s for the sake of mitzvot, future generations, or simply keeping your yard clean, Schach recycling is the gift that keeps on giving.
Loving our Schach content? Check out the rest of our Schach series:
