Oyster Shell Recycling

Please recycle your oyster shellsA healthy oyster population in South Carolina depends on your recycled oyster shells.

Shells are collected by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and used to rebuild oyster reefs.  Every 3 bushels makes 10 square feet of reef.  

Anyone can recycle shells, from the small backyard roast to large events and even commercial restaurants, it's easy to participate!

HOW TO RECYCLE SHELLS FOR FREE

  1. Residents, events and businesses can drop shells off at oyster recycling sites.  View map of drop-off sites.
  2. Large events (over 20 bushels) can request SCDNR provide a trailer or bins to collect shells.  Call (843) 953-1367.
  3. Restaurants can have shells picked up for FREE by SCDNR.  Contact oystershellrecycling@dnr.sc.gov or (843) 953-9397 for more information.

For more information about oyster recycling, please visit: http://www.saltwaterfishing.sc.gov/oyster.html

oyster recycling process

volunteers needed

The South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement Program (SCORE) is a community-based habitat restoration and monitoring program of the SCDNR.  

The purpose of the SCORE program is to restore and enhance oyster habitat by planting recycled oyster shells in the intertidal environment to form new, self-sustaining oyster reefs - all with the help of volunteers.  

Learn more about how you can get involved as a volunteer at http://score.dnr.sc.gov/ or call  (843) 729-6329.

Oyster reefs stabilize soil to allow marsh grass growth and protect shorelines from storms by absorbing waves

Before and After image of coastline
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