Can I Compost My Etrog After Sukkot?

Question:

For Sukkot, I—like many people—purchased an etrog that was grown in Israel. People have been telling me that since the year that just ended was a Shemitah year, my only two options are either to eat it or let it rot (I’ve been told that this will happen if it is put in a plastic bag). Since I’m not interested in eating it, I wanted to know if it would be permissible to compost it? That way it will rot but it will also go to good use. Or would this somehow be inappropriate?

Answer:

Shemitah is a time to think about the way we treat the earth, and Sukkot is a holiday in which we celebrate the bounty that the earth provides for us. Considering these things, it is both appropriate and praiseworthy to think about disposing of our lulav and etrog in ways that will benefit the planet rather than damage it. With regard to the specific question about composting an etrog, there are three issues at play: 

• Kedushat Sheviit: the holiness of the Shemitah year, which makes it forbidden to use Shemitah produce for any purpose other than as food.
• Hefsed: Direct destruction of Shemitah produce, which is forbidden.
• Bizayon: Treating Shemitah produce disrespectfully.

Kedushat Sheviit is not a problem. When the etrog becomes compost, it is inedible. Since it is inedible, it is no longer considered “Shemitah produce.” There is no longer kedushat sheviit, and it can be used for fertilizer. The transformation of the etrog from fruit to dirt removes its holiness and allows it to be used.

The restriction against hefsed demands some consideration. When you put your etrog in the compost bin it is still edible, and this restriction applies. The halakha is that Shemitah fruit can be destroyed indirectly but not directly. So, the question is, when a person puts an etrog in a compost bin, is she destroying it directly or indirectly? On the face of it, it appears that the etrog is just rotting on its own. But that’s not exactly the case. By putting it in a place where the worms will eat it or where the heat of the compost pile will cause it to compost quickly, you are speeding up the decomposition. Nevertheless, this change doesn’t happen immediately. Additionally, if you put it in a paper bag, this takes care of the problem of direct destruction since the worms have to get through the bag and the heat has to penetrate enough to start the decomposition.

Finally, the matter of bizayon, disrespect of Shemita produce, is a concern. Since the etrog is still edible when it goes in the compost bin, it would seem to me that there is a degree of disrespect in putting it in a bin of decomposed and decomposing food. This can be largely addressed by putting it in its own paper bag. Furthermore, if it begins turning brown and shriveling up on its own before being placed in compost, that is even better, but not absolutely necessary.

Conclusion:

The Bottom Line: The desire to compost a Shemitah etrog is very much in line with the ethos of Shemitah and Sukkot in general. In order to compost your etrog, put it in a paper bag by itself before adding it to the bin. Ideally, wait until it starts drying and shriveling a little on its own. If this causes difficulties, it is not strictly necessary.