Uses for Oyster Shells

Oysters live above sediment and are frequently attached to each other because new generations attach to existing shells, according to the University of Washington biology department. They have one flat shell and one cup shell and filter water across their gill by opening their shell slightly. After oysters are harvested and eaten, their shells are usually discarded, but oyster shells can be recycled and reused for various purposes.

Salt and Pepper Servers

Oyster shells make unique holders for salt and pepper. Boil them for a few minutes to kill any bacteria before using. Place them on your table for dinner guests.

Candles

Oyster shells make excellent votive candle holders that can be used for a table setting or as a floating candle in a water arrangement. Melt some candle wax and pour into oyster shells and then position a wick into each shell and let cool. If the shells are lopsided or tilt to the side, you can place the oyster candles in a container filled with sand or rocks.

Craft Projects

Oyster shells are useful for making various craft projects. You can drill holes in them, decorate, paint, and make jewelry out of the shells.

Glue oyster shells to a picture or mirror frame to create decorative art pieces. Glue the shells around a flower pot or small plastic trash can, creating a decorative beach theme in your home.

Wind chimes made from oyster shells make a delicate sound when blown in the wind.

Snails and Slug Control

Crush oyster shells and sprinkle around the rims of containers or around plants in your garden to kill snails and slugs. When they crawl across the crushed oyster shells, they dehydrate from the cuts caused by the shells.

Recycling

Oyster shells are recycled to create a habitat for fish and shellfish in commercial fisheries, according to oysterrecycling.org. They are used to maintain existing reefs and to restore degrading habitats.

Walkways and Driveways

Crushed oyster shells are used in landscaping design as a paving material either mixed into concrete or spread on top between paving stones.

Rebuilding Oyster Beds

Oyster shells are frequently used for oyster larvae so that they have shells to attach to, according to a 2009 article on thesunnews.com. Without oyster shells to attach to, new oysters will not reproduce and grow.

References

• University of Washington Biology Department: Reusink Lab---The Shellfish Industry
• Oystercycling: Overview of Oyster Recycling
• The Sun News: Oyster shell conservation on rise

Resources

• Country Living: Gifts from the sea---craft ideas
• Candlewhiz.com: Shell Candles
• University of California: Master Gardener Newspaper Articles