Oyster Shell Recycling: 2025

So you've just finished a delicious meal of oysters and are wondering where to dump the rapidly growing pile of shells that you've amassed. But if you're going to just toss them in the trash can, think twice! Oyster shell recycling programs have existed in our state for decades, and they're a great way to give back to the land that produced your oysters. If you want more information on the benefits, here's an expert's statement from a previous oyster-shell recycling program in NC: 

“Oyster shells collected through the program[s] are placed back in North Carolina coastal waters to provide a place for baby oysters to attach and grow. Oysters are not just a food source for humans, birds and fish. They clean pollutants from the water. Oyster reefs also provide habitat for baby fish and other marine life. When oysters spawn, the larvae need a hard substrate on which to attach and grow. And oysters prefer to attach to shell material.

If you're interested in participating, there are plenty of oyster drop-off centers, run by the NCCF scattered around the state, and there might be one in your area!!

Here's the NCCF list of all of the oyster shell recycling locations across the state: Oyster Shell Recycling | North Carolina Coastal Federation.  You can recycle other calcium-based shells, such as clams or mussels, too!