Bal Tashchit

From Halachipedia

The primary source in the Torah not to waste is derived from the passage that forbids cutting down a fruit tree when putting a city under siege. Yet, chazal understand that any form of wasting a useable item is included in this prohibition generally called Baal Tashchit.[1]

Applications

  1. For example, it is forbidden to burn a useable shirt or break a vessel for no reason. [2]

Sources

  1. Rambam Sefer HaMitzvot (Lavin n. 57)
  2. Rambam Sefer HaMitzvot (Lavin n. 57), Rambam (Melachim 6:10)