Oyster shells will get a second life thanks to new rules allowing oyster shell waste to be safely reused on agricultural land in New South Wales.
Clear standards have been released by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), outlining how the shell waste should be dried, processed and applied to land to improve soil health and reduce acidity.
NSW EPA A/Executive Director of Regulatory Practice Arminda Ryan said the updated framework makes NSW one of the first states in Australia to allow processed oyster shells to be applied to land.
"Without action, waste generation will soon outpace landfill capacity – that's why we are looking at every opportunity to safely accelerate our circular economy," Ms Ryan said.
"Annually in New South Wales, we produce an estimated 70 million oysters for consumption and pearl production.
"These changes enable oyster growers and sellers to unlock the potential of discarded shells for agricultural reuse, placing NSW at the forefront of aquaculture waste management."
The exemption was made thanks to a joint initiative by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the NSW EPA, with funding from the Local Land Services Early Needs Recovery Program, following a series of disease and natural disaster events across NSW.
NSW DPIRD A/Senior Policy Officer of Aquaculture Kate de Roover said the Department led the exemption application on behalf of oyster growers, following engagement with the industry who sought to reduce waste streams and add value to their production.
"We're pleased to have worked with the NSW EPA to bring this exemption in. It's a practical step helping oyster producers turn waste into a resource while ensuring environmental safeguards are in place," Ms de Roover said.
"Oyster shells can improve soil pH, aeration, drainage and structure, creating a fantastic circular solution that will see benefits for oyster farmers and consumers."
The requirements set out a strict framework ensuring oyster shell waste is safely applied to land, including:
- Specific standards on how the oyster shell waste is generated and processed, including drying, washing and crushing
- Product testing requirements to ensure the oyster shell waste is safe to reuse on land
- Mixing processed oyster shell waste into topsoil.
The EPA is encouraging oyster producers, farmers, processors and community members to familiarise themselves with the new rules.
