Chapter 88:17
Laws of Muktzeh on Shabbos
17. [The following rules apply] to repulsive things, such as feces or vomit
- whether of humans or of chickens: If they are located in a house or a
courtyard where people are sitting (1), they may be taken out to a trash
heap on Shabbos (2).
When one takes out a bedpan or urinal, one may return it after dumping its
contents, provided one continues holding it the entire time; this rule
applies to all muktzah items, such that once one is holding the object, one
may carry it to where one wants to place it. Once one has put it down, it
is forbidden to pick it up again, because it is extremely repulsive (and
hence worse than other items classified as "muktzah machamas mius"
(3)). If, however, the chamber pot is needed for a person's use, it may be
[picked up and] taken in. Similarly, if water can be placed in the
container in a way that it will remain fit for an animal to drink, one may
pick it up and bring it back in (4).
FOOTNOTES:
(1) Or a place where people walk (Mishna Berura 308:31)
(2) The halachic term for this leniency is: "Graf Shel Re'ee."
(3) Items defined as "Mius" ("dirty" or "disgusting") are not generally
considered muktzeh on Shabbos (however, they are muktzeh on Yom Tov). An
example of this would be an item upon which one would hang fish; although
it is foul smelling ("Mius"), it would not be considered muktzeh on Shabbos
(See Mishna Berura 308:136).
(4) According to some, this method is only permissible if the bedpan is in
danger of being lost or stolen (See MB 308:138).
