In its contract for the sale of chametz for Pesach, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel instructs stores that they are prohibited from accepting bottles for return during Chol Hamoed, and those violating this clause face a stiff fine.

The Chief Rabbinate discussed the issue of bottle recycling and it was decided the fact that bottles usually contain residue from the contents, at times beer and other chametz drinks, makes accepting them during yomtov impossible.

The matter reached top officials in the Israel Manufacturers Association and the desk of Chief Rabbi Yonah Metzger Shlita, who met with the appropriate officials to explain the halachic intricacies, leading to agreement.

A letter was also sent to Environmental Minister Gilad Erdan, requesting cooperation since the entire matter of bottle recycling is for the week of Pesach.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)