Ruling on Throwing Food Scraps into the Garbage

Question:
This is a question from the questioner (A. 'A) from Riyadh. He says: There are some citizens who, unfortunately, have become accustomed to throwing food scraps into the same places designated for garbage. They get mixed with the rest of the garbage, which generally contains some impurities or filth. What is your advice to these people? And what is the ruling on this action?

Answer:
Our advice is that food scraps, such as meat, bread, and the like, should be placed in separate containers. The municipalities in every place should provide a specific location for them, where they are collected and placed in a special area for livestock or for those who need them. Alternatively, in the wilderness, they should be placed in a specific spot where livestock come to eat them, or where people come to take them for their livestock. They should not be mixed with impure garbage. First, the people themselves should place them in separate containers, apart from the other garbage containing impurities. The municipalities in every place should monitor this matter, take care of it, and place it in specific locations in the wilderness or in any place they see fit, so that people who want it can take it, or so that livestock can come and eat it. Yes.

The presenter: Is it not the case that they are not sinful for this action of theirs?

The Shaykh: It is not permissible for them; it is not permissible to mix them with impurities. Yes, they are not allowed to do that; rather, they are sinful for doing so.

The presenter: May Allah reward you.