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The world's largest food distributor is teaming up with New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to significantly expand the state's shell recycling program .

Instead of ending up in landfills, oyster and clam shells are collected from restaurants and then used to create and enhance oyster reefs in coastal waterways which help provide habitats for marine life and improve water quality.

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The reefs can also reduce erosion by cutting down on the force of destructive waves during storms that are becoming more intense due to climate change.

"We’re building upon our coastal resilience," NJ DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette explained.

More than 30 restaurants in Ocean, Atlanti

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