While many people simply toss their empty egg shells into the garbage, the fact is those shells are useful for a variety of purposes. Many types of egg shells can be utilized in the garden, as a cleaning agent, and even to remove stains. If you have ever wondered what can be done to recycle egg shells, here are some ideas that you can try at home.

The composition of egg shells includes a significant amount of calcium. What this means for you is that small amount of shells crushed to a powder can help make a smoother cup of coffee. Simply add the crushed shells to ground coffee in your drip pot. As the coffee brews, the calcium content will counteract the acid content of the coffee and produce a superior taste.

Don’t forget to take the egg shells along when camping. Adding the shells to coffee grounds in a metal coffee pot will not only lower the acidic taste but also cause the grounds to sink to the bottom of the pot. That means no more coffee by the campfire that has stray grounds in the brew.

Gardeners can also benefit from including egg shells among their arsenal of tools. Shells split into two sections make an ideal incubator for starting plants from seeds. Simply place the half shells in the bottom portion of a paper egg carton, place a seed in each shell, and cover with a small amount of soil. Position the carton on a window sill so the seeds can receive direct sunlight. The nutrients in the shells will help the seeds to mature and also expedite receiving nutrients from the soil. In no time, you will have young plants that are ideal for planting.

When your shell incubators are no longer needed, crush the shells and utilize them as fertilizer in your garden. The broken shells will restore nutrients to the soil and promote the growth of healthier plants.

You can also use egg shells to keep household drains clean. Crush the shells thoroughly and place a small amount in the drain basket. As water runs over the basket, the crushed shells will filter through and enter the drainpipe. The tiny fragments will act as a mild abrasive to clear hair or grease buildup from the pipes. For people who like to avoid using drain cleaners loaded with chemicals, this is a great way to maintain your drains naturally.

Egg shells are versatile items that should not be tossed into the trash. Just about anyone can find a way to recycle the shells and as a result help the environment. Look around your home today. Chances are you will be able to make use of one or more of these recycling ideas and do your part to keep our world green.