Restaurants recycle shells to improve marine environment

From page 1 marine environment as they filter water through their feeding mechanisms. A single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of seawater per day, making shellfish Mother Nature’s most valuable marine cleansers. Studies indicate that by expanding shellfish populations in local harbors we can improve water quality for generations to come. While this program helps the environment, it also helps restau- ranteurs toward achieving compliance requirements with the New York State Food Donation and Scraps Recycling Law while also reducing waste carting expenses.

Councilwoman Vicki Walsh added, “The Town’s Shell Recycling partner program brings the entire community together to help restore shellfish populations in Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbors by providing habitat for shellfish and other marine species, improve water quality, and restoring local food supply. It’s a win-win for the community and our environment and we invite more restaurants to join us today.”

To participate in this initiative or obtain additional information, restaurants should visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ shellrecycling, or contact the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943 or via email at environmental@oysterbay-ny. gov.