** Archived Article - please check for current information. **
February 15, 2012
Oyster shell recycling drop-off opens at Kalmia Gardens in Hartsville
Kalmia Gardens of Coker College in Hartsville is the latest public to drop off location for oyster shell recycling. Recycled oyster shells are used by S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to refurbish oyster grounds. Shells provide the necessary hard substrate for juvenile oysters to attach and grow. When oysters are harvested, some of the habitat for future generations is lost. Replanting shells replaces this habitat and insures that our oyster populations will continue to thrive.
In addition to their value as a food resource, oysters are also critical to the health of South Carolina estuaries and tidal creeks. Oysters filter and clean water, control phytoplankton blooms, recycle nutrients, provide essential fish habitat and form natural breakwaters to reduce erosion.
Currently, less than 15% of the oysters harvested in South Carolina are recycled for resource management. When the quantity of shells recycled is less than that needed for replanting DNR must purchase shell, usually from out of state sources. Recycling your oyster shells can save DNR thousands of dollars annually, money which can be used towards more replanting. Any clean oyster shell, whether local or imported, can be recycled at the DNR’s shell drop-off sites. All shell will be quarantined before replanting to ensure that no diseases or invasive species enter local waters. DNR asks that you remove all trash before placing your shells in the recycling area.
DNR maintains 25 recycling drop-off locations, predominantly along the SC coast, where the public can recycle their shells. Maps of recycling drop-off sites and tips on shell recycling can be found by calling (843) 953-9397.
- S.C. Drought Committee to meet in Columbia on March 8
- Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund donates $104,050 to DNR
- Retiring DNR director recognized by S.C. House for service
- Center for Birds of Prey featured at Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic
- Duck hunters finish the season on DNR Waterfowl Management Areas
- Record size blue catfish caught from Santee Cooper system
- Oyster shell recycling drop-off opens at Kalmia Gardens in Hartsville
- Oyster shell recycling drop-off opens in Florence County
- DNR Loggerheadlines newsletter available with information on the 2011 S.C. marine turtle season
- S.C. Wildlife’s 28th annual outdoor photo contest accepting entries
- Aiken County wildlife area will open to the public four Saturdays in March
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- North Island hog hunts with dogs to remove destructive feral hogs
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- Saltwater fishing trends
- S.C. weekly tidetable
- DNR video