South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (S.C.O.R.E.) Program

Spartanburg Water partners with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for their South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) program.

The SCORE program works to collect and recycle oyster shells to improve water quality and habitats along the South Carolina shores. Replacing Oyster shells that have been previously harvested for the seafood industry accomplishes many goals to ensure preservation of these resources for future generations. 

Why Should You Recycle Oyster Shells?

• Oysters improve water quality! They do this by filtering nitrogen and phosphorous, and consuming phytoplankton and other types of algae, reducing the likelihood of algae blooms.
• A single oyster can filter 50 gallons of water every day.
• Oyster larvae can settle in old oyster shells in oyster reefs, allowing them to utilize nutrients from the old shells to promote their own growth.
• These oyster reefs help prevent erosion by attaching to coastlines. 
• Oyster reefs provide habitats for many crustaceans, macrofauna and small fish.

How Can You Help?

The Spartanburg Water oyster shell community collection area is located at the A. Manning Lynch Wastewater Treatment Facility, located at 1450 Southport Rd. in Spartanburg. A special collection hopper is located off the left side of the entrance to the facility, in front of the gate.

Restaurants, community members and organizations who host oyster roasts are encouraged to deposit their shells in the collection area.

Oyster shell receptacles are available for any interested participant, and volunteers are needed to assist in shell collection and drop off at the Lynch facility.

Who Do I Contact for More Information?

For more information or to participate in the program as a volunteer or restaurant partner, please contact Meagan Roy, Spartanburg Water Watershed Management Coordinator, at (864) 592-2240 or mroy@spartanburgwater.org.