shell recycling
a local solution to a local program
Did you know that one oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day?
Wellfleet Oyster Alliance and the Massachusetts Oyster Project’s shell recycling program collects shells from local restaurants and puts them back into local waters. The shell then becomes a natural oyster habitat. Our program is centered around keeping waste out of the landfills, rescuing a valuable resource, supporting economic and recreational harvest opportunities, and gaining community involvement around these sustainability efforts.
Why Recycle Oyster Shell?
Did you know that oyster reef habitat is one of the most endangered in the world? An oyster bed is a natural water treatment system that can provide the structure for an entire ecosystem of over 200 other species of animals and vegetation. By restoring shells to the wild, we are working to make our oceans healthier for marine life and humans.
How Does it Work?
We provide recycling containers to local restaurants and community sites, and participants fill the containers with shell. We then arrange for them to be picked up. The shell is stored and aged for one year to eliminate pathogens. We then transport the shell to locations where it will be spread on the ocean floor or given to a hatchery for baby oysters to attach and grow to.
Why Now?
Waste continues to enter coastal waters through street runoff and Combined Sewer Outflows (CSOs), which can lead to lower water quality. However, oyster can mitigate the nitrogen in wastewater and help offset ocean acidification. The better the habitat for oysters, the bigger of impact they can have.
Who is Participating?
Our restaurant partners include Pearl, Mac's Shack, Winslow's Tavern, Moby Dick's, Wicked Oyster, Beachcomber, C-Shore, Bookstore, Ceraldi, Van Rensselaer's, Hog Island Surf Lodge, Casa Del Cabo, Arnold's, Barley Neck, Block & Tackle, Mac’s on the Pier, Lobster Pot, and Mac's Fish House.
This program is also supported by the Wellfleet Shellfish Department, the Department of Public Works, our volunteers, and sponsors of the Wellfleet Oyster Alliance.