It is forbidden for any Jew to have hametz on his/her property throughout the Passover Holiday. It is preferable to get rid of all the hametz before the holiday begins (either eat it or give it away). But in the event that you have a hametz collection which is too expensive to empty then refill (i.e. liquor), and just in case you accidentally missed some hametz in your house, it is traditional to appoint the Rabbi to sell your hametz to a non-Jew on your behalf. The hametz remains on your property but using it then constitutes stealing from the non-Jew who bought it. (By the way the sale includes your pets whose food surely is hametzdik). It is traditional to include a donation to provide food for the poor. A suggested donation is $18 or multiples of 18 (36, 54 etc).  

Click here to sell your Hametz!