No disposal ritual is commanded
Scripture never sets out a rule for what to do when a Bible is water-damaged, mouldy, falling apart, or no longer readable. Ancient Israel did treat the written Law with great honour. When Moses finished writing the law, it was kept beside the ark of the covenant, showing its special place among God’s people (Deuteronomy 31:24-26).
Yet the Bible does not say that a worn physical copy must be preserved forever, buried, or burned. The pages are valuable because they carry God’s message, but they are not a magical object. God’s truth remains sure even when one printed copy cannot be used any longer (Isaiah 40:8).
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Choose a respectful practical option
If the Bible is simply old and torn, first see whether it can be repaired, rebound, or passed to someone who can use it. A local church, charity shop, prison ministry, or book-restoration service may be glad to receive a readable copy.
For a Bible that is truly ruined, recycling is often a sensible choice. Remove covers, ribbons, or metal pieces first if your local recycling guidance requires it. You could also wrap and bury it, particularly if that helps you mark the end of a much-loved copy with gratitude.
Some Christians choose to burn a ruined Bible privately and safely. Burning is not required, but it can be a reverent option where it is legal and safe to do so. In Ephesus, new believers publicly burned books connected with their former occult practices, showing that destroying a written object can sometimes be an intentional act rather than contempt (Acts 19:19).
Respect matters more than the method
Try not to dispose of a Bible carelessly if you can avoid it. A simple, thoughtful approach honours the Scriptures and the role that copy may have played in your life. Perhaps pause to thank God for what you learned through it, then deal with it in a clean and practical way.
At the same time, don’t feel anxious that you have offended God because a Bible was accidentally damaged or had to be thrown away. Jesus taught that God’s words will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). His word can still be read, heard, remembered, and lived through another copy, a church reading, or Scripture held in your heart.
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.