Are Egg Shells Biodegradable? (12 Ways to Reuse Them Today)

Eggs are a kitchen staple and breakfast favorite for many. But is egg shell biodegradable?  According to food historians, humans have been eating eggs for approximately 6 million years.

It was not until around 1400 BC that humans started to keep birds of various kinds as livestock for eggs. 

As the modern world becomes more eco-conscious, one question on everyone’s mind – and search history – is egg shell biodegradable?

We’ll answer that question as well as listing some tips on how to reuse your egg shells. Let’s get to it!

Related: Are Egg Cartons Recyclable?

Is egg shell biodegradable? 

Yes, egg shells are biodegradable! All materials and substances that come from a natural source and are not tainted with any artificial preventatives are biodegradable. 

Hence, egg shells have a high biodegradability level. However, this does not mean that they will biodegrade quickly. Most egg shells take in the realm of years to decompose – something that is influenced largely by the environment.

The best way to help egg shells biodegrade is by breaking them up into small pieces and then adding them into soil or compost. Compost bins and heaps create dark and warm environments that aid biodegradation, so avoid just throwing your egg shells in the trash. 

Can egg shell be recycled?

Egg shells cannot be recycled. It depends what you consider recycling, but egg shells cannot be recycled in the standardized recycling bin sense.

If you put egg shells in the recycling bin, they could contaminate other materials meaning that the rest of your rubbish could not be recycled. The safest and easiest way of disposing of egg shells is allowing them to biodegrade. 

Are egg shells environmentally-friendly? 

As something that has emerged from a natural source, egg shells are definitely environmentally-friendly. In fact egg shells are not just earth-friendly, but also are used as a more sustainable substitute for a variety of products. For instance, using them for fertilizer, sorbents and bird feed. 

How can I reuse egg shells? 

Egg shells may not be able to be recycled, but they can be upcycled! Egg shells do not have to be composted and instead can be given a second life in a myriad of ways.

1. Eggshell Art

Eggshells can be transformed into an innovative medium for art, offering a unique texture and natural palette.

Crushed eggshells can be used to create mosaic art pieces, providing a three-dimensional effect that catches the light beautifully.

Whole or broken shells can be painted and assembled into intricate designs on canvas or used in mixed media projects.

For children, eggshell art can be a fun and educational activity, teaching them about recycling and creativity.

Additionally, businesses focused on eco-friendly products could consider incorporating eggshell art into their offerings, providing customers with sustainable decor options.

By turning eggshells into art, we not only repurpose what would be waste but also add beauty and character to spaces, all while fostering environmental awareness.

2. Birdfeeders 

Eggshells can also be reused as bird feeders, serving as a natural and biodegradable container for birdseed. Simply clean the eggshells, making sure to remove the membrane, and let them dry.

Pierce a small hole through the top of each half-shell and thread a string through it for hanging. Fill the shells with birdseed and tie them to tree branches.

Birds will be attracted not only to the seeds but also to the shells. This method supports local wildlife and adds a charming, eco-friendly touch to your garden.

3. Chicken Feed

Eggshells can be a valuable addition to chicken feed as a natural source of calcium, which is essential for laying hens to produce strong eggshells. To prepare eggshells for chicken feed, they should be cleaned, dried, and baked to eliminate any bacteria. After baking, crush the eggshells into small pieces that chickens can easily consume.

4. Compost and Gardening

Eggshells are an excellent addition to compost piles and gardens. Their highly beneficial for compost, helping to enrich the resulting soil amendment.

When preparing eggshells for compost, it’s effective to crush them into smaller pieces to speed up the decomposition process.

In the garden, eggshells can be sprinkled around plants to deter pests like slugs and snails without using harmful chemicals.

Additionally, finely ground eggshells can be incorporated into the soil to improve its mineral content and structure.

5. Sorbents 

Recent scientific research has been produced that focuses on the absorbency of egg shells. Scientists have found that egg shells have brilliant prowess in removing heavy metals from water and other aqueous solutions. They can also be utilized to remove dyes. 

6. Scouring

Egg shells are excellent abrasives and can do a lot to get the leftover dirt out of your pots and pans. Just break them up (not using your bare hands) and add them to the dirty dish with soap. Scrub until you’re happy with the result, then give it a rinse! 

7. Seedling pot

Eggshells can serve as natural, biodegradable pots for starting seedlings. To create a seedling pot, keep the shell halves intact when cracking eggs and puncture a small hole in the bottom for drainage.

Fill each shell with potting soil and plant seeds. The eggshell provides nutrients to the young plants and can be placed directly in the garden when the seedlings are ready, where the shell will decompose and further enrich the soil.

This method reduces the need for plastic seedling trays and contributes to a waste-free gardening process.

8. Glue

Interestingly, the proteins found in egg whites have adhesive properties, which can be harnessed to make a simple, natural glue.

This homemade glue is particularly handy for light paper crafts and can be a fun project for people who enjoy DIY or are looking for non-toxic alternatives.

To create this glue, egg whites are beaten until frothy and applied with a brush. When the egg white dries, it becomes clear and holds the bonded items together.

9. Chalk

Eggshells can be creatively repurposed into DIY chalk for drawing and writing. By grinding cleaned and dried eggshells to a fine powder and combining them with a few simple ingredients like flour and hot water, a paste can be formed.

This paste can then be shaped into chalk sticks and left to dry. The result is an eco-friendly, non-toxic chalk that can be used on sidewalks or blackboards. This recycling project is not only fun and educational for kids but also offers a homemade alternative to store-bought chalk.

10. Candleholder

Eggshells can be upcycled into charming, miniature candleholders. To create these, use half-shells from eggs that have been carefully cracked. Clean the shells thoroughly and place them in an egg carton for stability.

Melt wax, add a wick, and carefully pour into the shell, creating a quaint candle that can be a conversation starter or part of a table setting. This idea not only recycles the eggshell but also provides an opportunity for creating personalized gifts or decor.

11. Scrubbing

Crushed eggshells can be used as a non-toxic abrasive for heavy-duty scrubbing tasks. When ground to a coarse powder, eggshells effectively remove stubborn stains and build-up from pots, pans, and even garden tools without scratching the surface.

To use, mix the crushed shells with a little soapy water to create a natural scouring paste. This method is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective, reducing the need for harsh chemical cleaners.

12. Cat deterrent

Eggshells can be an effective, humane deterrent for cats in gardens and plant areas. The sharp edges of crushed eggshells are uncomfortable for cats to walk on, discouraging them from digging or using garden beds as litter boxes.

Scatter the shells around plants where cats are unwelcome. This method is safe for the cats and the environment.

Final thoughts

Let’s recap. Egg shells are 100% biodegradable, as a natural item themselves. They take years to decompose and do best in compost, so avoid just throwing them in the trash. 

Egg shells cannot be recycled, and attempting to do so could contaminate your other recycling. They are environmentally friendly and are even used as eco-conscious alternatives for an array of products. 

However, you do not have to throw your egg shells straight in the compost and whilst you may not be able to recycle them, you can upcycle them! Some of the top things that you can use egg shells for are fertilizer, sorbents, bird feed, arts and crafts, scouring, starting seeds, deterring pests and chalk.