How to Repurpose Oyster Shells

Have you ever wondered what happens to empty oyster shells? Well, the good news is that they can be composted and recycled after they are used. Read on to learn how you can repurpose your oyster shells and why it is beneficial to do so!

After indulging in our Pacific oysters, you can recycle their shells instead of throwing them away. Once cleaned, you can use your gorgeous oysters’ shells to make crafts or jewelry. For example, you can paint the outside of the shell gold to make a beautiful jewelry dish. They also can be stringed together to make a wind chime or arranged into a decorative wall accent for your home. If tea light candles are your thing, you can add melted wax and a wick to the shells to make a unique tea light candle for your table.

You can also compost your empty shells to use as natural fertilizer! The process is very simple. You first want to boil your empty shells and then break them into small pieces with a cloth and hammer. After that, you can add the crushed oyster shells and water to your soil. Since oyster shells have natural calcium and minerals, the composting process offers the plants in your garden vital nutrients. Essentially, you are giving oyster shells a second life by composting them.

Another way to reuse your shells is by donating them. There are several organizations that solely dedicate their time to saving oysters shells. After collecting recycled oysters’ shells from restaurants or people in the community, these organizations clean and cure each shell before throwing them back into the ocean. Since oyster larvae look for something hard to attach to, each recycled shell becomes home to dozens of baby oysters and helps restore oyster reefs. To donate your empty shells, check out these public shell drop off locations.

If you’re looking to learn more about our Sanctuary Oysters, shoot us an email please at info@solazul.com.mx.