Are you trying to do everything you can to limit your environmental impact?
You've probably got a few tricks up your sleeve when it comes to reducing waste.
But have you ever thought about what happens when food items like eggshells end up in the trash?
Are egg shells biodegradable? Are they able to be broken down by natural microorganisms found in soil? Or do they just lay there for eternity like an everlasting reminder of our throwaway society?
In this article, I'll explore the biodegradable nature (or lack thereof) surrounding egg shells.
Right, let's get cracking! SORRY! ????
Contents
Eggshells are predominantly made from Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3), with some protein and other organic minerals.
They act as a protective layer surrounding the egg, shielding it from bacteria and other contaminants.
Yes, eggshells are biodegradable, but it's not all plain sailing.
The outer shell is dense (to protect the egg inside) and, when left whole (or in big pieces), can take numerous years to break down entirely.
Slow degrading aside, though. When an eggshell does degrade, it leaves nothing nasty behind and can be beneficial to the surrounding soil.
As eggshells are made from organic materials, they can be great for composting.
They act as an excellent source of calcium, which helps to promote healthy growth in your plants and vegetables.
To get the most out of eggshells for composting, grind them before adding them to the mix. This will ensure they break down quickly and don't take up space in your compost pile.
You can throw eggshells away in a biodegradable trash bag, but it's not ideal.
They'll still decompose eventually, just more slowly than if you put them in a healthy compost heap.
Plus, throwing eggshells away means that all their nutrients won't be available to feed your plants and veggies.
If you don't have the option to biodegrade or compost your old eggshells, maybe consider one of these alternative uses rather than tossing them in the trash.
From crafty projects to keeping cats away from your garden, here are some more ideas for other ways to use up old eggshells.
Make eggshell art using acrylic paint and glue to paint eggs and turn them into decorative pieces.
If your eggshells are still largely intact, turn them into bird feeders by painting them with non-toxic paints and filling the hollowed-out part with bird seed.
Don't let the birds have all the fun.
Use the spent cases from your boiled egg breakfast to start seedlings, and you're well on your way to becoming an organic gardening superstar.
This one sounded weird to me (feeding something back to a chicken that it recently laid), but it really is a thing.
Chickens use a lot of calcium when producing eggs, and they'll benefit from the extra calcium hit if you crush eggshells into a powder and add it to their regular feed.
Add ground-up eggshells to flour and warm water to create your own chalk.
Take your creativity up a notch and add natural coloring to different batches to create a rainbow of chalk options.
If you find standard glue not strong enough, add eggshells to your mix to give it more bite.
You don't have to be a great crafter to turn eggshells into candle holders. All you need is a bit of melted wax and some wick.
Simply fill the hollowed-out part of the eggshell with wax, add your wick, and then wait for it to solidify before lighting up your new candle.
Placing your new egg candles in egg cups will prevent them from falling over and potentially causing a fire.
I've already covered how to keep ants away naturally, but what about slugs and snails?
They don't like sliding over sharp objects due to their soft underbodies.
So it stands to reason that a generous sprinkling of crushed eggshells around your favorite plants and veggies will help deter slimy pests.
Broken eggshell pieces can be used as a heavy-duty scrubbing agent for tough messes, such as burnt-on food or hard water stains.
The small pieces work as an abrasive cleaner but are still gentle enough not to damage your cleaning surface.
To use eggshells for cleaning, grind them into a powder and mix them with a tablespoon of baking soda.
You can use this mixture on sinks, ovens, tiles, and more.
Rinse off with warm water when done to remove any residue.
Scatter eggshells around your garden as a natural deterrent for local neighborhood cats.
Cats don't like walking on sharp surfaces, so they should leave your garden alone if they have to navigate spiky eggshell pieces.
No, You cannot recycle eggshells. Not only are eggshells not recyclable, but if you toss them into your recycling bin, they might contaminate other items and prevent them from being recycled.
It depends on the pieces' size and environmental conditions, but generally speaking, it can take 1-3 years.
No, putting eggshells in an electric garbage disposal unit is not recommended. Eggshells can clog the machine and cause significant damage.
Some dogs may be able to handle eating small amounts of eggshells, but it's best to check with your vet before feeding them to your pup. Eggshells contain calcium which is beneficial for dogs, but there is a risk of choking and other complications from consuming large pieces.
Yes, eggshells are environmentally friendly. They're a natural product that eventually fully decomposes. You can also use them to help amend acidic soil and fertilize gardens, and their calcium benefits plants, chickens, and other animals.
So, there you have it…a comprehensive answer to the question, "is an egg shell biodegradable?".
To recap…
How do you dispose of your unwanted broken egg shell? Is your compost bin full of finely ground eggshells?
Or do you have any creative ways to reuse egg shells that I've not considered? Drop me a line and let me know.
