Oyster Shell Recycling Program
Why Recycle Shells?
- Oyster reefs are needed in our sounds.
- Shells are used to build or restore oyster reefs.
- Baby oysters attach to reefs and grow more oysters.
New and Restored Oyster Reefs:
- Provide important habitat for fish, crabs, shrimp, and other seafood.
- Reduce sound side erosion.
- Clean our estuaries as more oysters filter the water.
Did you know?
In the state of North Carolina, it is illegal to dispose of oyster shells in landfills or use them as mulch for landscaping since they are needed for reef building in our sounds.
Oyster Shell Drop-Off Sites
Shell recycling drop-off sites are located at the Coastal Federation’s three regional offices and in the following counties: Brunswick, Carteret, Craven, Dare, New Hanover, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, and Pender. Explore the map below, or call us at (252)-393-8185 to find a shell recycling site near you.
At/Near Coastal Federation Offices:
Brunswick County:
Craven & Pamlico County:
New Hanover County/Wilmington:
- Seawater Lane (next to the UNCW Aquaculture Lab), Wrightsville Beach
- Bridge Barrier Road, Carolina Beach State Park
- New Hanover County Landfill
Pender County:
- Atlantic Seafood Retail Market in Hampstead
Onslow County:
- Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro (maintenance area)
- Morris Landing in Holly Ridge
- Onslow County Landfill
- Onslow County Solid Waste
Please contact a regional shell recycling coordinator for more information:
Southeast Region – Georgia Busch, georgiab@nccoast.org
Central Region – April Hall, aprilh@nccoast.org
Northeast Region – Victoria Blakey, victoriab@nccoast.org
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