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Louisiana's rich oyster tradition isn't just about delicious cuisine—it's also about preserving our fragile coastline. Since 2014, the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana's (CRCL) Oyster Shell Recycling Program (OSRP) has played a critical role in this effort. By recycling oyster shells, restaurants can help restore vital oyster reefs that protect our coastlines from erosion, sea level rise, and storm damage. And starting January 2024, restaurants participating in this program can also benefit from a new oyster shell recycling tax credit.

The Louisiana Restaurant Association supported legislation during the 2023 Louisiana Legislative Session to establish the tax credit incentive program for restaurants.

Why Recycle Oyster Shells?

Oyster shells are more than just a byproduct of a delicious meal; they are a vital resource for coastal restoration. Here’s why:

• Natural Coastal Defenders: Oyster reefs act as natural breakwaters, absorbing wave energy and protecting our eroding coastlines.
• Habitat Creation: These reefs provide essential habitat for marine life, including fish and new oysters.
• Water Quality Improvement: Living oysters filter and clean the water, improving the overall health of our coastal ecosystems.
• Economic Support: Louisiana produces one-third of the nation’s oysters, making the oyster industry a significant contributor to our local economy.

However, Louisiana is currently experiencing a shell deficit, as most shells removed from the coast are not returned. This is where restaurants can make a huge difference by participating in CRCL’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program.

How the Program Works

CRCL has made it easy for New Orleans and Baton Rouge restaurants to get involved:

1. Shell Collection: Restaurants collect discarded oyster shells in bins provided by CRCL.
2. Pickup and Recycling: Local recycling companies empty and replace these bins regularly, ensuring a clean and efficient process.
3. Reef Restoration: Volunteers and local communities work with CRCL to return these shells to the coast, where they help grow new oysters and rebuild reefs.

Benefits for Your Restaurant

Joining the Oyster Shell Recycling Program isn't just good for the environment—it’s also good for business:

• Tax Credit: Starting January 1, 2024, restaurants can earn a $1 tax credit for every 50 pounds of shell recycled, up to $2,000 annually.
• Cost Savings: Restaurants report reduced trash pick-up frequency and costs, as well as cleaner and more organized kitchen areas.
• Promotion and Recognition: CRCL promotes participating restaurants in newsletters, media, and on their website, offering valuable exposure to environmentally-conscious customers.
• Ongoing Support: CRCL provides high-quality service with responsive contractors and regular communication to ensure a seamless recycling process.

Get Involved Today!

By participating in the Oyster Shell Recycling Program, your restaurant can play a vital role in preserving Louisiana’s coastlines while also reaping the benefits of reduced waste costs, tax credits, and increased customer loyalty.

Ready to join the movement? Contact CRCL to start recycling your oyster shells and help protect Louisiana’s unique coastal heritage.

Remember, once you shuck ’em, don’t just chuck ’em—recycle them!