How to Recycle Oyster Shells
Recycle oyster shells back into their origin environment to continue the life cycle of a renewable resource. Young oysters, called spat, need to find a hard surface on which to attach themselves as they mature in the juvenile stage. Empty oyster shells are an ideal home for these new oysters to safely mature to a desirable size to eat. Show your appreciation for the delicious bounty of the oyster reef by returning your oyster shells.
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Instructions
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Check the Internet or contact your state's fish and wildlife service to find the nearest oyster shell recycling center. Some areas without-state run recycling centers have begun programs for seafood restaurants to pool shells. Ask the manager of your favorite seafood restaurant what he does with empty oyster shells.
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Scrape the inside of the oyster shells to remove any remaining attached muscle or membrane. If living tissue is left in the shell, it will rot and stink in storage.
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Rinse the cleaned shells under running water and return them to the porous bag they came in. If the bag was discarded, place the clean shells in a net or breathable container.
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Take your collected oyster shells to the recycling center or restaurant co-op location. Individuals are not advised to return the oyster shells to the source themselves. This can sometimes result in living oysters of a new dominating species being introduced to the environment.
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