Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Andrew Monteleone invite residents looking to help the environment and preserve our waterways to take part in the Town’s shell recycling initiative at the upcoming Oyster Festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday, October 17th and 18th in Oyster Bay.
“We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to be a vital part of our environmental mission to help protect our harbor and improve our waterways,” explained Supervisor Saladino. “As a Shell Collection Station Attendant, volunteers will contribute their time to help divert oyster and clam shells from landfills, which will instead be recycled and used for habitat restoration and growing new oysters.”
Volunteers at this year’s festival will be asked to commit to working in three-hour shifts. Available time slots will be from 10 am through 7 pm on both Saturday, October 17th and Sunday, October 18th. Responsibilities will include identifying oyster and clam shells, overseeing a shell collection station with separate bins for general trash and for shells, guiding festivalgoers in correctly sorting their waste, and answering questions about the shell recycling program and educating attendees about its environmental benefits. Those interested in participating will receive giveaways, as well as community service hours for their participation.
“This is a great initiative that not only helps with recycling efforts but also restores shellfish populations in our harbor while improving water quality,” said Councilman Monteleone. “The program ensures shells don’t go to waste and once they are ready to go back into the harbor, they provide an excellent source of habitat for young shellfish to grow.”
Anyone interested in volunteering for the shellfish recycling program can contact the Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943 or by emailing Environmental@oysterbay-ny.gov. For more information about the program, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/shellrecycling.
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