Another practical way to avoid wasting eggshells is to add them to your compost bin.
Composting allows kitchen waste to be reused rather than simply thrown away. Eggshells can contribute calcium to the finished compost, making them a useful addition to a home composting routine.
For better results, clean and dry the shells before crushing them into a fine powder. Add the powder to your compost along with suitable vegetable and fruit scraps, dry leaves and other compostable materials.
Remember that eggshells take a long time to break down, particularly when they are added in large pieces. Grinding them finely helps speed up the process.
A few things to remember before reusing eggshells
Eggshells are useful, but they should be handled carefully. Raw eggs can carry bacteria, including Salmonella, on their surfaces. Wash your hands after handling them and clean any utensils or kitchen surfaces that come into contact with raw eggs.
For gardening and composting, dry the shells properly before storing or crushing them. Keep them in a clean, dry container until you need them.
Also, avoid using eggshells as a supposed mixer-blade sharpening solution. There is no reliable evidence that running crushed shells through a mixer restores blunt blades, and doing so is not a substitute for proper blade maintenance.
With a little effort, something that normally goes straight into the dustbin can become a useful addition to your gardening and household routine. The next time you prepare eggs, think twice before throwing away their shells.