Oyster shell recycling program now includes Baton Rouge as it expands beyond New Orleans

A conservation group’s initiative that collects and recycles oyster shells from restaurants in New Orleans has now expanded to include restaurants in Baton Rouge. The program, operated by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana since 2014, aims to pick up discarded shells from restaurants twice a week. These shells are then stored and used to construct reefs that contribute to the restoration of Louisiana’s fragile and eroding coastlines, while also providing new breeding grounds for oysters.

According to a report by WBRZ-TV, three restaurants in Baton Rouge have already enrolled in the program. Participating restaurants are required to pay a fee for the collection of their shells but can benefit from a tax break in the future. The efforts to collect oyster shells not only aid in environmental conservation but also help in maintaining cleanliness and organization in restaurant waste disposal areas.

The program is designed to reduce the frequency and cost of trash pick-ups for restaurants while promoting sustainable practices in the seafood industry. Ultimately, the collected shells play a critical role in the ongoing efforts to protect and restore the coastlines of Louisiana, offering a practical solution to address environmental challenges in the region.