Where and how to recycle your oyster shells after using them

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — As the weather grows colder and the holidays get closer, many people enjoy oyster roasts in the fall and winter months. One thing you cannot do is dispose of them in a landfill, which is against the law in North Carolina. However, there are some alternatives as to what you can do.

“So, all of the shells we collect go back into the water strategically where oysters will be reproducing. We make sure to cure those oysters, essentially make those oysters bacteria free before they’re put back in the water strategically,” said Bonnie Mitchell with North Carolina Coastal Federation.

Oyster recycling sites are setup along the coast where shells can be dumped to be recycled. The oysters are cleaned, baked in the sun and then put back in the ocean to make more oyster reefs. But that’s not the only way the shells help.

“This is going to help control shoreline erosion. It’s going to be able to absorb that extra flooding, helps to absorb that filter storm water runoff,” Mitchell explained.

Oysters are also a staple of many seafood restaurants in the cape fear.  Downtown Wilmington Shuckin’ Shack General Manager Shawn Higham says the recycling of shells is crucial for his business.

“One of our focuses is sustainability. So, keeping just that growth and allowing everybody to enjoy oysters ,” Higham said.

You can find a list of oyster recycling sites here.