If you’re adept at roasting or shucking your own oysters, do you know what to do with the shells when you’re done?

They don’t go in the trash — the state of NC banned oyster shells from landfills (and landscaping ground cover). Why? Because oyster shells can be used to build new oyster reefs off our coast, making them an important ecological and economic resource.

Why recycling leftover oyster shells matters

The NC Coastal Federation’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program explains that recycled oyster shells:

Decrease erosion in sounds
Give baby oysters a needed home
Offer a habitat for other marine life
Strengthen estuaries by helping more oysters filter the water

Where to recycle oyster shells in Raleigh

Raleigh is one of the only inland communities in NC that offers robust oyster shell recycling opportunities. Several local businesses act as free drop-off sites for your spent shells — including Angus Barn, Earp’s Seafood Market, and Stanbury. And the movement is growing; Locals Seafood Market in East Raleigh recently joined the list.

If you’ve visited a Wake County Household Garbage & Recycling Center recently, you may have noticed a small sign advertising oyster shell drop-off. There are now 11 Wake County sites — four of them in the City of Raleigh — where you can leave your spent shucks from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Use the county’s website to find the most convenient location to recycle oyster shells in Raleigh and nearby towns. CK: Just want to clarify/specify which county we're talking about (if multiple, we can list them).

Enjoy oysters at these restaurants

If, like us, you love these bivalves but shouldn’t be trusted with an oyster knife just yet, fear not. We’ve compiled some of the best places to eat oysters in the Oak City, whether you want them fried in a po’ boy at Hummingbird or served raw with pickled banana peppers at St. Roch. Love this conclusion. Looks great!