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How to Recycle Egg Shells

How to Recycle Egg Shells

Egg shells are incredibly versatile and full of calcium and other minerals. Before you toss them out consider a few easy ways to reuse their wonderful goodness.

There are so many things you can do with them, including eating them! Save your eggshells in the fridge till you have enough, dry them in your oven, then crush them in a vitamix or use a mortar and pestle to grind a fine powder. One eggshell will make around a teaspoon of powder.

You can then use eggshell powder as a calcium supplement with yourself, your pets or put it into your garden. If you are planning to ingest - yourself or your pets, it would be very useful to know where your eggs have come from and their age.



With a slightly less fine grind, if you have hens, supplement their grit. Or, use the eggshell halves as little seed starters. The beauty of eggshell seed starters is the they plant straight into the garden. 



Egg shells can be readily disposed in your Bokashi Bin, compost or Council Benchtop Bin if you live in Adelaide. The egg shells will break down faster if crushed up a little.




Images: Unsplash | Daniel Jericho / Apartment Therapy
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Science Notes
Egg shells are mostly - 95%+ calcium carbonate (CaCO3), the same as sea shells. The balance of the eggshell make up is calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2), magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) and protein.  

Eggshells have the same chemical composition as lime and will raise or neutralise the ph level of overly acidic soil (dependent upon your starting position). 

Related Tip
Eggshells alone do not really supply enough calcium to a laying hen. You will need to supplement with oyster shells.