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How to Recycle Oyster Shells

How to Recycle Oyster Shells

Updated 5 March 2018 02:14 PM

Oyster shells are far more reliable as a garden fertiliser and soil loosener than a romance inducer.

If you have just had a big oyster feast and are wondering what to do with the shells, don't toss them in the garbage. Crush them with a hammer and toss them on your garden instead. Your garden will thank you for the extra calcium and drainage.

If you have a Bokashi Bin, you can toss them in it. Or if you live in Adelaide, you can put them into your Kitchen Organics Basket, although you might want to freeze them until Green Organics Bin collection day if you want to minimise odours.

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Science Notes
Oyster shells are primarily of calcium carbonate, (perhaps better known as lime). Commercially oyster shells are crushed and used variously as a food supplement, for chook grit and stock feed or in the garden as a landscaping material or a fertiliser.

Above the ground oyster shells are used for pathways, as an alternative to gravel or pebbles. In the ground, oyster shells act as a slow release calcium nutrient to lower soil acidity or help improve drainage.

Related Tip
Crushed eggshells are another source of calcium. They aren't as rich as oyster shells, but are an excellent source.

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