Oyster Recycling and Restoration Program

Use the ARCGIS map for Oyster Recycling Locations

Oyster Shell Drop-Off Locations Interactive map

Why Should I Recycle My Oyster Shell?

Although South Carolina's commercial shellfish harvest has remained stable over the past three decades, the closing of oyster canneries and most shucking houses during this period has resulted in a shortage of shucked oyster shell needed to cultivate and restore oyster beds. The increasing popularity of backyard oyster roasts and by-the-bushel retail sales have contributed to this shortage in that, contrary to the shucking houses and canneries, shells remaining from individual oyster roasts are not usually returned to the estuary to provide a suitable surface to attract juvenile oysters. More often than not, the shell ends up in driveways and landfills.

These factors have contributed to the critical shortage of oyster shell used for planting purposes and sustaining oyster habitat. The state has been forced to purchase the majority of its oyster shell from out-of-state processors to supplement our stocks of shell for planting. In order for SCDNR to properly manage the state's shellfish resources and maintain these critical habitats, we must continue to maximize our efforts to recycle our oyster shells. Recycling your shells will help restore, preserve, and enhance the state's inshore marine habitat.

Oysters - A seafood delicacy and:

A Harvestable & Renewable Resource: Each year tens of thousands of bushels are harvested recreationally and commercially.

Estuarine Filters: Adult oysters filter up to 2.5 gallons of water per hour or up to 50 gallons per day.

Habitat: Oysters build reefs which provide habitat for fish, shrimp, crabs, and other animals. They are an integral part of the marine ecosystem. There are nearly 120 different species that frequent oyster reefs, including; Red Drum, Blue Crabs, Flounder, and Shrimp.

Erosion Control: Oyster reefs are natural breakwaters that absorb wave energy and protect marsh shorelines from erosion.

How does this process work?

After enjoying your oysters you can recycle the shells at one of our drop off locations.

The shell is then quarantined for at least 6 months to remove any invasive species or harmful diseases.

The oysters are then loaded onto a barge.

and are planted by DNR back into local South Carolina esturaries...

...where free swimming oyster larvae can attach themselves to the planted shell grow their own shell and become spat.

After one to three years the spat will grow into adult oysters and become an oyster bed.

During the summer months, oysters spawn and release free-swimming larvae, called spat, into the water column. The spat are carried by tide and current and after spending about two weeks moving in the water column, seek a suitable surface upon which to attach and begin building their shells of calcium carbonate. Unless disturbed, they will spend the remainder of their life cycle where they have attached. Centuries of oyster cultivation experience have proven oyster shell to be one of most desirable materials (called cultch) for attachment and subsequent growth of young oysters. Other cultch materials, such as shucked whelk shell and wooden stakes have been very successful in attracting and supporting oyster spat.

orange-yellow sign stating 'theft of shell is isslegal and will be prosecuted. Report theft to SCDNR's 24 hour hotline. 1-800-922-5431. Shell is protected under state stature section 50-5-1015

Your license recycles!

Each year, oyster shell used for planting public shellfish grounds has become increasingly expensive and hard to find. A SCDNR project, funded by the revenue generated by Saltwater Recreational Fishing License sales, makes it possible to recycle oyster shell and reclaim this valuable resource to enhance shellfish habitat. As this conservation initiative gains public awareness and participation, it is hoped that increased volumes of oyster shell will be made available for planting Public Shellfish Grounds by SCDNR personnel and equipment and by contract with private companies to improve recreational shellfish harvesting opportunities for the public.

Recycling Do's and Don'ts

DO separate shell from trash. Shell mixed with trash is not suitable for recycling. Provide separate containers for shell and trash.
DO dump shells from bags or containers and leave only shells in the bins.
DO bring your shell to the nearest shell recycling center. Maps are provided below. If a center is not shown near you, please call 843-953-9397.
DON'T put live oysters in South Carolina waters. If the oysters you purchased were harvested outside South Carolina, it is illegal to place them in SC waters. Placing imported oysters in our waters can create environmental problems and may harm local oysters or other animals.
DON'T put freshly shucked oysters shell in SC waters. To avoid contamination, shell should be recycled to DNR and properly quarantined for 6 months.
DON'T remove shell from recycling locations. Shell placed in any SCDNR receptacle is South Carolina state property and is illegal to take. Recycled shells are used for managing South Carolina’s harvestable oyster beds and for saltmarsh restoration. If everyone takes a little, it adds up to be a lot.

Oyster Shell Drop-Off Locations

With the cooperation of local and county governments and businesses in coastal South Carolina, oyster shell recycling drop-off sites (PDF) (places where the public can bring their oyster shells) have been established in convenient locations. Location of sites are: Click on the maps below to bring up Adobe PDF file and a larger view. Maps are from 245 KB - 477 KB in file size. The drop-off locations are listed by County from North to South.

(Documents below are in PDF format.)

Richland County
	Columbia Bin at Clothing World Coming from Downtown Columbia get on SC-277 N for 4.9 mi, Take exit onto I-20 E toward Florence for another 8.9 mi. Get off on exit 82 for Spears Creek Church Rd. toward Pontiac. Take right onto Spear Creek Rd, then take right in .2 mi on SC-12 W, then in .4 mi take 1st right toward Clothing World.
	Columbia Bin at City Roots Coming from Downtown Columbia take SC-48E/Assembly St. and go for 1.6 mi before taking a left on SC-16/Rosewood Dr. Go .3 mi and take right onto Superior St. Continue .3 mi and it will turn to Mitchell St. and go straight for another .2 mi. Then take right on S Edisto ave which then turns into Commerce Dr. Go for another .4 mi before taking left onto Airport Blvd. City Roots is a urban farm and bin is located on their property.
Darlington County
	Hartsville Bin at Kalmia Gardens From downtown Hartsville take Carolina Ave. west towards Hwy151. As the road forks, keep to the right and the entrance to Kalmia Gardens will be on the right. Pull in the gate and continue forward and you will see the wooden oyster recycle bin on your left. From 151 turn onto West Carolina Avenue. Travel approximately 1 mile and the garden entrance will be on the left. Enter through gate and travel straight back. The wooden oyster bin will be on your left.
Horry County
	N. Myrtle Beach Bin On Sea Mountain Hwy across from Point Marsh Lane SCDNR trailer is located in the vacant parking lot across the street from Point Marsh Lane
	Myrtle Beach Bin on 21st Ave N. At Hwy 17 and 21st Ave N intersection turn North onto 21st Ave N (headed away from beach) in between Nascar Sports Grill and Phillips Seafood Market. The bin is the first right just past Nascar Sport Grill parking lot down a dirt road.
	Conway Drop-off at Horry County Solid Waste Authority landfill 1886 Highway 90, Conway SC 29526; Drive up to weigh station for shell documentation. Follow oyster shell recycling signs to drop-off bins.
Georgetown County
	Murrells Inlet Bin at Garden City Fire Dept. From Georgetown take US 17 N. Bear right onto Murrells Inlet US 17 Bus. Fire Station is 3.80 miles on the right. From Myrtle Beach take Myrtle Beach US 17 South to Murrells Inlet. Turn left onto US 17 Bus. Murrells Inlet. Fire station is 0.8 miles on the left. Trailer is behind fire station.
	Murrell's Inlet Bin at Clambank Landing From Litchfield, take U.S. Highway 17 N toward Myrtle Beach. Approximately 1.26 miles north of Brookgreen Gardens entrance turn right on to dirt road marked "Oyster Shell Recycling".
	Georgetown Bin at Waccamaw River Bridge Take Highway 17 North through Georgetown. Before the Waccamaw river bridge, turn left toward the Winyah Bay Fishing and Observation pier. Shell recycling drop off site is located approximately 0.3 miles on right. Look for blue recycling signs.
	Dead Dog Saloon Trailer 4079 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. SCDNR trailer located in the overflow parking lot across the street from Dead Dog Saloon.
	Inlet Affairs Trailer 4024 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576; SCDNR trailer is located in the back right of the parking lot.
Berkley County
	Goose Creek Bin at Gilligan's Restaurant Address 219 St. James Ave. Goose Creek, SC. Coming from I-26 head north on Highway 52. Take a left onto Highway 176. Travel approximately one mile and you will see Gilligans on your left. Take a left at the light onto Bridgetown Rd. and then another left onto St. James Ave. and into the Gilligans parking lot. The recycling bin is a DNR trailer in the back corner of the parking lot. This recycling location is available seasonally from September 15 to April 30.
	Moncks Corner Bin at Gilligan's At the Dock Take US-17 ALT N from Moncks Corner for 2.3 mi and sign for Gilligans will be on right. Follow road and Trailer will be in parking lot. Or follow US-52 W through Moncks Corner from Goose Creek and when you must take right at light you will see sign for Gilligans immediately after light. It is immediately before Cooper River. If coming from US-52 E immediately after going over Cooper River take first left.
Dorchester County
	Ladson Bin at Oakbrook convenience Site From Summerville, take 642 E/Dorchester Rd to Parlor Drive, follow Parlor Drive/Old Fort Drive to Gray House Lane. The three sided wooden bin is located within the convenience center. From Ladson, head North toward Hwy 78, turn left onto 78, turn onto ladson road, turn let onto Wallace Ackerman Dr, take the 1st exit at the traffic circle to stay on Wallace Ackerman, Continue on County Rd S-18-662/Old Fort Drive, turn right onto Gray House Lane
Charleston County
	McClellanville Bin at The Town Hall Take US 17 N. to McClellanville. Turn right onto 45/S. Pickney St. Merge onto Pickney St. Turn right at town hall. Drop-off site is on the right near the fire tower.
	Awendaw Bin at Garris/Moores Boat Landing Take US 17 N. toward Awendaw. Turn right on Seewee Rd. for 3.5 miles. Turn right on Bulls Island Rd and follow to the end. Drop-off site is in the left back corner of the parking lot near the restroom area.
	Mt. Pleasant Bin on Sweet Grass Basket Pkwy From Mt. Pleasant, Highway 17 N turn right on Isle of Palms Connector/SC-517S after Mount Pleasant Towne Center. After 0.2 miles on IOP Connector, left to Sweetgrass Basket Pkwy. Travel 0.6 miles on Pkwy before taking right into Mount Pleasant Recycling/Maintenance Center. Take immediate left on gravel rd. to oyster recycling 0.1 miles down.
	North Charleston Bin at Veterans Terminal Take I-26E and exit toward Bainbridge Connector. Turn left onto Bainbridge ave, turn right to stay on Bainbridge Ave, turn left onto N Hobson Ave, turn right onto Kilo Street which turns into Pierside street. The bin will be on the right before you get to Transfer Solutions Inc.
	James Isl. Bin at Sol Legare Boat Landing Take Highway 171(Folly Rd) toward Folly Beach. Approximately 2.3 mile from Ft. Johnson road, turn right onto Sol Legare' Rd and follow the road 2.5 miles down to the end –Battery Island Boat Landing. Drop off site is on left.
	James Isl. Bin at SCDNR on Ft. Johnson Rd. From Charleston take US 17 (Savannah Hwy) South. Turn left of 171 (Folly Rd.) for 4.5 miles. Turn left onto Fort Johnson Rd for 4.8 miles. Enter the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources gate and continue on main road and follow the oyster drop-off sign. The drop-off site is in the back of the grass field with a trailer and sign.
	Johns Isl. Bin at Gilligan's Restaurant From Johns Island take Main Road toward Highway 17. Gilligan's is 1.4 miles after the Main Rd./River Rd. traffic light, on the left. Or from West Ashley, take Highway 17 South. Take a left at Main Rd. going towards Johns Island. Gilligan's is 0.23 miles on the right. The recycling bin is a DNR trailer that is located behind the restaurant. This recycling location is available seasonally from September 15 to April 30.
	Wadmalaw Isl. Bin at Bears Bluff Fish Hatchery Coming from Johns Island take Maybank Hwy toward Wadmalaw Island. After you cross over Main Rd. travel approximately 2.8 miles till the road fork and bear to the right onto Bears Bluff Rd. Follow Bears Bluff Rd. another 9 miles till it dead ends into the Bears Bluff Marine Fish Hatchery. Go through the main gate and turn right. Go through a fenced gate and take your first left after the fenced gate. The recycling bin will be just down this road.
	Edisto Island Bin Take Highway 174 toward Edisto Beach State Park. Approximately 12.1 miles from the Dawhoo Bridge there is a recycling center on left or 0.8 miles from the beach on right. Look for blue recycling signs.
Colleton County
	Walterboro Bin at the Beltline Recycling Center The Walterboro Bin is located at the Beltline Convenience and Recycling Center which is located on Robertson Blvd (Walterboro Bypass) just 0.3 miles north of the Colleton Middle School near the airport runway. The bin is located in far left corner of the facility right when you pull in.
Beaufort County
	Beaufort Bin at Beaufort County Public Works On Highway 21 Heading north from Beaufort, turn left onto Shanklin road. Shanklin road is approximately 0.6 miles north of the Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station Main Gate. Follow Shanklin road for 0.75 miles to Beaufort County Public Works Department. Turn right into solid waste recycling center. Ask attendant for key and directions to shell recycling drop-off. Hours of operation: 7AM to 7PM seven days per week.
	Bluffton Bin at Trask Landing Off 278 take Sawmill Creek Rd. which is .85 miles down from Bluffton Rd. Trask Landing is at the end of Sawmill Creek Rd. (3.6 mi). The recycling bin is a DNR trailer.
	Hilton Head Bin at Coastal Discovery Museum The recycling bin is located inside the Coastal Discovery Museum located at 70 Honey Horn Dr. Hilton Head, SC 29926. Once inside the gate take your first left, there will be a sign to direct you, and the wooden three sided bin is just on your left. The entrance to the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn is located off of Gumtree Rd. Take either Cross Island Pkwy or William Hilton Pkwy (278 BUS) to Gumtree Rd near where 278 splits.
	Port Royal Bin at Sands Beach Boat Landing Take Ribaut Road (SC Highway 802) west Towards Port Royal and Parris Island approximately 4.0 miles. Turn left onto Paris Ave. for 0.7 miles, then left behind Port Royal Town Hall onto 7th Street. At stop sign, go straight across onto Sands Beach Rd. Shell recycling drop-off is 0.3 miles on the left.
	Lemon Island Bin at Edgar Glenn Boat Landing The oyster shell public drop-off is located at the Edgar Glenn Boat Landing at the Chechessee River Bridge on Highway 170. The drop-off bin is on the same side of the road as the boat ramps. The bin is a wooden three sided bin in the parking lot near the foot of the bridge.
	Hunting Isl. Bin at Russ Point Highway 21 south from Beaufort 16 miles to Hunting Island. Before Bridge to Fripp Island turn right onto county dirt road. Shell recycling drop-off is 0.3 Miles on left.
	St. Helena / Lady's Island Bin From Downtown Beaufort take the Sea Island Parkway and cross over the Beaufort River towards Lady's Island and Frogmore. Once across the river from the end of the bridge go approximately 4.5 miles to the St. Helena Recycling and Convenience Center. Take a left into the recycling center. The bin is a wooden three sided bin on the right before you get to the main drop off area.