What ritual destroys remaining chametz on the morning before Passover?

Biur chametz is the ritual elimination of remaining chametz on the morning before Passover.

The process follows bedikat chametz, the formal search conducted after nightfall on the evening of 14 Nisan. Families inspect places where leaven might be found, often using a candle or flashlight. Any chametz discovered during the search is gathered for removal the next morning, traditionally by burning it.

Biur literally concerns removing or destroying chametz. Burning is the classic method, but Jewish legal sources also discuss other forms of destruction, such as crumbling it and scattering it or disposing of it in a way that makes it inaccessible. The timing matters: chametz must be eliminated before the deadline on Passover eve, after which possessing it becomes forbidden.

This ritual is commonly confused with bitul chametz, the verbal nullification of any crumbs that escaped notice. Bedikah means searching; biur means removing or destroying; bitul means declaring unseen chametz ownerless or insignificant. Together, these practices create overlapping safeguards against accidentally retaining leaven during the festival.