Oyster Shell Recycling Program
Join Green Philly for a unique volunteer experience! We will be participating in an oyster shell bagging event to help with the regional restoration efforts at Partnership for the Delaware Estuary and other environmental organizations.
The Oyster Shell Recycling Program collects discarded oyster shells from local restaurants and seafood markets. These shells undergo a curing process through which they are cleaned by wind, rain, and scavengers. After this, we use the help of volunteers to put the recycled shells into mesh bags. These shell bags become eco-friendly building blocks which are used in living shoreline restoration projects throughout the Delaware Estuary.
The work itself is physical but rewarding. During the volunteer event w we set up a sort of shell bag assembly line with different jobs requiring different levels of physical labor, with something for everyone. In the shell assembly line, volunteers help shovel shells into buckets, which are then carried to our shell recycling table. Here, other volunteers fill PVC tubes fitted inside the shell bag. Once full, the PVC tubes are then removed, and the shell bags are tied and stacked for storage. Other jobs include resetting the PVC tubes and preparing the shell bag material.
The event will start with an overview of the Oyster Shell Recycling Program and our living shoreline projects, where the Partnership for Delaware Estuary will highlight the positive impact the volunteers will be making on the health of our local ecosystem through their work.
FAQs
Getting there: Free parking is available on-site at PDE’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program facility. Unfortunately, the site is not easily accessible via public transit. Consider carpooling or utilizing ride-share.
What to bring: Please dress for the weather in clothing you don’t mind getting dirty, wear closed-toed shoes, and bring plenty of water. Bring food/lunch if needed.
Restrooms: There is NO public bathroom at the location. The nearest restroom is located at a Wawa located ~5 minutes away.
All participants are required to sign a liability waiver. We will have copies on site for you to sign.
The work is moderately strenuous and dirty. Be prepared to break a sweat!