Every shell counts: South Carolina's plea for proper oyster shell recycling - ABC NEWS 4
Every shell counts: South Carolina's plea for proper oyster shell recycling | WCIV
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — Every bushel counts.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is pushing for shells to be recycled properly. Experts have found that oyster shells are being stolen from their public recycling bins. They believe it is because people don't understand that shells serve a purpose, even after they've been shucked.
"That means that you have a plan in place. You know that your shell can be recycled or find out where your closest public drop-off bin is," Holly Sommers said.
Sommers is an SCDNR oyster shell recycling and planting coordinator.
Read more: "Oyster season underway with good forecast for area roasts."
SCDNR is pushing people to recycle shells after having oyster roasts.
"Take the extra effort and bring them to one of those 11 public drop-off bins, and if you have a roast that's too big for you and your family to handle, reach out to us," Sommers said.
"We have resources we can provide, like the 35-gallon blue receptacles and cans for your oyster roast."
Recycled shells take up to six months of quartine to allow the tissue to die off.
Read more: "Experts share advice on oyster harvesting as shellfish season begins."
From there, volunteers sort through bins to remove trash and prepare them to later be replanted.
South Carolina is heavily reliant on recycled oyster shells, which is why they are frustrated with those who steal them and emphasize safe recycling.
"We have to purchase shells from out-of-state shucking houses," Sommer said. "Just please know that there's a lot of time and effort that goes into oyster restoration and making sure that these oyster populations are sustainable. it starts with you."
SCDNR is looking for volunteers to help with the oyster recycling program.
More on the volunteer initiative can be found here.
Read more: "SC shellfish harvest season opens October 1."