Is There a Problem with Taking Out the Trash on Shabbat?

Hello,

A garbage can containing waste that is muktzeh may not be moved, as it has the status of a base for something prohibited. Even if the waste was placed in the bin in the middle of Shabbat, it becomes a base for it (Orchot Shabbat, Part 2, chapter 19, section 61).

If, before Shabbat began, you emptied the bin of its contents and only on Shabbat itself placed waste into it, together with waste that is not muktzeh, then it has the status of a base for something prohibited and permitted. In such a case, where the bin is not forbidden as a base for something prohibited, it may be moved for the sake of its own use or the place where it is located, like a utensil whose primary use is for a prohibited activity (ibid., note 1006).

Likewise, a garbage bin that emits an unpleasant odor and people are staying or passing nearby, and it is repulsive to them, may be taken outside and emptied, of course on condition that there is an eruv in place (ibid., section 106).

With blessings,

Hillel Meirs