Home Ask questions & get answers at AskTheScholar.com - answers posted daily
  Ask questions & get answers at AskTheScholar.com - answers posted daily
Home
Education
Courses
Youth Education Program
Ask the Scholar
Campus Project
 Mailing List
Mailing List
 Donations
Donations
Famous Optical



I am living in Sweden; people here drink beer a lot; they throw the bear cans outside, or in waste bin specially on weekends. I can earn some money by collecting these cans and putting them in the recycle machines at different stores. I want to know if there is some objection in the islamic teachings in doing such a job. In Sweden the cost of the cans or plastic bottles which can be recycled is included with the drink and is taken from the customer. It means that the buyer has already paid the cost in the total price. If he throws away the cans or bottles, it means he doesn’t care for that 1 krone (Swedish currency). This payment that you get on putting the cans and bottles in recycle machine is called pant and is mentioned on the packing of cans. I will be very thankful to you for your help in this issue.



Question number: 1278
Date posted: 2008-09-24

Answer:

There is nothing wrong for you in cashing on these discarded cans. In fact, by doing so you are rendering a beneficial service: In this way you are helping the environment and help keep the streets and the city clean, all of which are considered great acts of charity in Islam, meriting great rewards.


Since those people have discarded the cans, you need not worry about the fact that they have paid for them. If you have any doubt in your mind, you may do well by giving away a portion of the income you derive from this work in charity.