Oyster Shell Recycling for the Future

Coastal Caterers works with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to recycle oyster shells from our oyster roasts. The shells can then be planted back into the salt marsh. A single oyster can filter 8 to 10 gallons of water a day. Also, recycling oyster shells helps to provide a habitat for new oysters to grow. Oyster reefs created by replanting oyster shells help to prevent erosion and create new habits for small fish and crabs, which provides foraging opportunities for larger game fish.

After an oyster roast, shells can be dropped off at one of the many shell recycling locations provided by the SCDNR. Once the oyster shell is recycled, it is taken to bleached out by the sun. This natural bleaching process usually takes a couple of months. Bleaching ensures no harmful bacteria are on the oyster shells before being put back in the water.

Volunteers with the SCDNR bag shells and help place them back in the creeks and rivers of South Carolina. Oyster reef-building takes place at many different locations along the coast.

The oyster reef restoration program is essential in ensuring future oyster growth, providing clean water, creating habitat for marine life, and helping prevent erosion. We are happy to participate in these efforts and look forward to many years of roasting oysters, recycling oyster shells, and working with the SCDNR’s SCORE program for the future!

The SCORE website has the most up-to-date locations for shell recycling. Also, depending on the size of the event, SCDNR or CCA will bring a trailer or rolling bin to your location. It does not get any easier than that!

Oyster Shell Recycling Locations

Mt. Pleasant – Sweetgrass Basket Parkway – 1156 Six Mile Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

James Island – Sol Legare Public Boat Landing or Ft. Johnson SCDNR – 217 Ft. Johnson Rd, James Island, SC 29412

N. Charleston – Carrigg’s 4134 Rivers Ave, 29405

Awendaw – Garris Boat Landing – 498 Bull Island Rd, Awendaw, SC 29464

McClellanville – Town Hall – 405 Pinckney St., McClellanville, SC 29458

Wadmalaw Island – Bears Bluff Fish Hatchery – 7030 Bears Bluff Rd, Wadmalaw Island, SC, 29487

Edisto Island – Live Oak Boat Landing – Oyster Row Lane, Edisto Island, SC 29438

Local and single oyster shells can be recycled. No trash, please.

Oyster Roast Home.