As reported by Cape Cod Times, the Massachusetts Oyster Project successfully collected 25,000 pounds of shells from Wellfleet restaurants. These shells will be scattered along the Wellfleet harbor to restore oyster habitat instead of going for disposal.

Eight local Wellfleet restaurants signed up for the pilot program and successfully sorted the shells into designated containers to be picked up four times a week by staff from the Massachusetts Oyster Project. This shell recycling partnership will allow the oyster population to flourish and in turn improve water quality in the harbor.

Many restaurants across Massachusetts are separating their food scraps to be similarly diverted from disposal, going instead for animal feed, composting, or anaerobic digestion. RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) Source Separation Guidance offers best practices for back of house separation, outdoor storage, and collection frequency.

Check out the RecyclingWorks restaurants page for helpful information on diverting food waste, recycling cardboard, reducing takeout packaging waste, and more! To speak to a recycling expert, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.