Getting rid of eggshells is often tricky. They clog garbage disposals, stick to sinks, and leave behind a faint odor if tossed in the trash. But instead of treating them as waste, you can repurpose eggshells in dozens of clever, eco-friendly ways. These delicate shells are packed with calcium and other minerals, making them surprisingly useful in the kitchen, garden, and even for beauty and household hacks. Here are 17 creative things you can do with eggshells instead of throwing them away.

1. Enrich Your Garden Soil

Eggshells are natural fertilizers. Rich in calcium carbonate, they help strengthen plant cell walls and improve soil health. Simply crush clean, dry shells and sprinkle them around your garden beds or mix them directly into the soil. Plants like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants especially love the boost.

2. Mix with Coffee Grounds for Double Nutrition

If you already toss coffee grounds into your garden, add crushed eggshells for a powerful duo. Coffee provides nitrogen, while eggshells provide calcium. Together, they enrich the soil and support healthier, more productive plants. Just remember to skip flavored or specialty coffees, which may harm the soil.

3. Compost Them

Eggshells are compost gold. Tossing them into your compost pile adds calcium and other trace minerals that help balance the acidity. Crush them first so they break down faster. For an extra kick, try making “eggshell tea” by soaking shells in water and pouring the nutrient-rich liquid over your compost or plants.

4. A Natural Pest Deterrent

Garden pests like slugs, snails, and even some caterpillars hate crawling across sharp eggshells. Scatter crushed shells around the base of your plants to act as a natural barrier. This way, you protect your crops without using harsh chemicals.

5. Mellow Out Bitter Coffee

Adding a few pieces of crushed eggshell to your coffee grounds before brewing is an old cowboy trick. The shells reduce bitterness and make your coffee smoother. As a bonus, the calcium in the shells gives a tiny nutritional boost.

6. Scrub Pots and Pans

Forget steel wool—crushed eggshells make a gentle yet effective abrasive. Mix them with a little dish soap and water, then use the mixture to scrub stuck-on food from pots, pans, and even your sink. It’s eco-friendly and free.

7. Remove Stains from Mugs

If your favorite mug is stained from endless cups of tea or coffee, eggshells can help. Crush some, drop them into the mug with warm water, and let it sit overnight. By morning, the stains should loosen and scrub off easily.

8. Craft Supplies

Eggshells can be turned into fun, creative projects. Dye them for Easter decorations, crush them for mosaics, or even use them to make homemade chalk. Their delicate texture adds a unique look to DIY crafts.

9. Seed Starter Pods

Save your eggshell halves, fill them with potting soil, and plant seeds inside. When the seedlings are ready, plant the entire shell in your garden. The shell decomposes, feeding the growing plant. It’s cost-effective and zero waste.

10. Mini Planters for Herbs

If you don’t have much space, use eggshells as tiny herb planters. Poke a small hole in the bottom for drainage, add soil and seeds, and place them in an egg carton on a sunny windowsill. Basil, parsley, and thyme grow beautifully this way.

11. DIY Eggshell Vases

Paint or decorate eggshell halves, then use them as mini vases for succulents or air plants. They make adorable gifts or table décor. Just be careful—they’re fragile, but that’s part of their charm.

12. Feed Them Back to Chickens

If you raise chickens, don’t toss those shells! Bake and crush them, then mix into chicken feed. The calcium helps hens produce stronger eggshells. It’s a natural cycle: eggs nourishing the very birds who laid them.

13. Sharpen Blender Blades

Your blender can sharpen itself with the help of eggshells. Freeze crushed shells, then blend them with water. The gritty mixture hones the blades while cleaning out food residue at the same time.

14. Natural Toothpaste Add-In

Some DIY enthusiasts use powdered eggshells in homemade toothpaste. Rich in calcium and phosphate, eggshell powder may help remineralize teeth. If you try this, make sure the shells are sterilized (boiled and baked) before grinding into a fine powder.

15. Treat Skin Issues

Historically, eggshells have been used in folk remedies. A fresh membrane from inside the shell can be applied to minor skin irritations, like small cuts, acne spots, or even to help draw out a splinter. Always clean the area afterward to avoid infection.

16. Heal Blisters Overnight

A wet eggshell membrane can be placed over a blister and covered with a bandage. Many people claim it helps the blister heal faster by protecting the skin and reducing irritation.

17. Science Experiments for Kids

Eggshells are fantastic for learning at home. You can dissolve them in vinegar to show kids how calcium reacts with acid, or use them in osmosis experiments. They make science fun, hands-on, and affordable.

Eggshells may seem like fragile, useless waste, but they’re actually incredibly versatile. Whether you use them in your garden, your kitchen, your crafts, or even your self-care routine, they prove that sometimes the most overlooked scraps can have the most value. Next time you crack an egg, think twice before tossing the shell—it just might be the start of your next project.