Brunswick County, NC Expands Oyster Shell Recycling Initiative
Waste & Recycling | 2021-12-21 00:53:04
An invaluable resource, it is illegal to dispose oyster shells in the trash.
By SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Oysters are not only for consumption, but their recycled shells serve a valuable purpose to the coastal ecosystem. As the largest coastal county in the state, Brunswick County now offers four new oyster shell recycling locations to make it easier to assist with reef-building in ocean sounds. The North Carolina Coastal Federation is partnering with Brunswick County’s Solid Waste and Recycling Program to open oyster shell drop-offs beyond the Bolivia landfill and into four more convenient locations:
- Sunset Beach, 736 Seas Rd.
- Supply, 1709 Oxpen Rd.
- Southport, 8392 River Rd.
- Leland, 9921 Chappell Loop Rd.
An invaluable resource, it is illegal to dispose oyster shells in the trash. Coastal organizations, such as the federation and the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, recycle the shells to build new oyster reefs and nourish living shorelines. If the organizations had to purchase them, it could cost up to $3 per bushel. “[They] reduce wave energy, provide habitat for fish and crabs and serve as a hard surface for new oysters to attach to and grow,” federation spokesperson Stacia Strong said. “The new oysters help to further reduce the impacts of waves and improve water quality through the filtering abilities of oysters.”
Courtesy: www.wasteadvantage.com
