What does the Bible say about recycling?

1. Introduction to the Concept of Recycling

Recycling—the process of converting waste materials into new products—does not appear as a specific term in the Bible. However, principles that undergird modern environmental stewardship permeate Scripture. From a faith perspective, recycling fits within a broader command for responsible dominion, which involves caring for and wisely managing resources entrusted to humanity.

2. Biblical Foundations of Stewardship

In Genesis 2:15, “Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it.” Although this verse predates modern terminology like “recycling,” it illustrates humanity’s responsibility to honor, maintain, and protect God’s creation. The earth is described as belonging to the Lord, who entrusts people to oversee it for His glory. Psalm 24:1 affirms, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein.”

This stewardship mandate implies that believers are to avoid waste, preserve resources, and manage the environment under divine ownership. When approached in this light, recycling becomes a practical expression of biblical stewardship, reflecting an understanding that creation is not ours to squander but God’s to sustain.

3. Examples of Resourcefulness in Scripture

Though the word “recycle” is absent from the biblical text, there are several passages that stress resourcefulness and minimizing waste:

• Gleaning Laws

In Deuteronomy 24:19, the text teaches, “When you reap the harvest in your field and overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” Gleaning mandated that the remains of a harvest be left for those in need, ensuring that nothing went to waste. While this law primarily addressed social welfare, it also provided a model of reusing surplus rather than discarding it.

• Collection of Leftovers

John 6:12 reports: “And when everyone was full, He said to His disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over, so that nothing will be wasted.’” After miraculously feeding the multitude, Jesus explicitly commanded the disciples to collect leftovers. While this points to Christ’s power to provide abundantly, it also underscores a principle of conserving usable resources rather than discarding them.

• Re-purposing Materials in Antiquity

Archaeological records from sites such as Lachish and other ancient Israelite cities reveal that broken pottery was often re-purposed for writing surfaces (known as ostraca) or used again in construction. Although these were practical decisions of the era, they align with biblical themes of good stewardship—using existing resources thoroughly, rather than disposing of them prematurely.

4. Caring for the Earth as God’s Creation

Scripture consistently presents God as the Creator and sustainer of all things (Genesis 1:1). This creation account, taken in its straightforward sequence, supports a timeline where earth’s origins are attributed directly to the intentional design of an all-powerful God. Consequently, the natural world becomes a testament to divine craftsmanship, worthy of responsible care.

Modern science and geological examples—such as observing how ecosystems thrive when natural resources are protected—support the biblical principle that careful management of the environment benefits both humanity and the broader creation. Recycling, though a contemporary practice, upholds the scriptural call to protect, sustain, and nurture what has been created.

5. Theological Implications for Recycling

• Dominion and Accountability

Genesis 1:28 declares, “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it…’” The term “subdue” can be easily misunderstood. In a biblical context, proper dominion involves leadership that ensures the well-being of the environment, not careless exploitation. Recycling is one way to exhibit responsible dominion, acknowledging that humanity’s authority entails accountability toward God.

• Reflection of God’s Image

Humanity is created “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27), endowed with creativity and the capacity to manage resources wisely. By engaging in acts like recycling, believers reflect God’s character—bringing order, preserving goodness, and caring for what He has fashioned.

• Avoiding Wastefulness

Acting wastefully can run contrary to biblical teachings that emphasize moderation, stewardship, and the wise use of gifts. Luke 16:10 echoes this principle: “Whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with much….” Demonstrating faithfulness in seemingly small matters (like recycling) can mirror an attitude of reverence toward God and His creation.

6. Practical Application

• Personal Responsibility

Individuals can weave recycling into daily life—repurposing household items, composting organic materials, and supporting local recycling initiatives. These choices illustrate practical ways of manifesting care for God’s handiwork.

• Community Engagement

Churches and faith-based organizations can set an example by instituting organized recycling programs. Such collective efforts model responsible dominion and communicate respect for creation within and beyond congregational walls.

• Educational Initiatives

Teaching children and adults the biblical foundations of stewardship encourages a mindset focused on responsible resource use. Educational programs in Sunday schools, small groups, or community outreaches can highlight both scriptural directives and real-world environmental benefits of recycling.

7. Harmony Between Creation Care and Eternal Hope

The expectation of “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1) does not negate our present responsibility to steward creation. Recognizing that the current world—though fallen—still displays divine design invites believers to cultivate practices like recycling that protect and wisely utilize what God has provided. This commitment to creation care not only fulfills a biblical mandate but also acts as a testimony to others about the Creator’s authority and love.

Conclusion

While Scripture does not mention the modern term “recycling,” it is consistent with a biblical worldview that emphasizes wise stewardship, resourcefulness, and the avoidance of waste. Through gleaning laws, collecting leftovers, and reusing materials in the ancient world, biblical principles display a pattern of careful resource management. Modern believers who incorporate recycling into their daily lives emulate these scriptural precepts—fulfilling God’s call to cultivate and keep the earth, honoring Him through faithful stewardship of all He has made.