I actually just “discovered” the idea of putting the shells back in the carton a few months ago.
I always have a problem with cracking the eggs, then when I go to take them to the trash I end up with a trail of egg goo from my counter across the floor to the trash can (not always and not literally, but enough to make me not want to move the shells across the floor.)
The honest-to-god most clean option seemed to be putting them back in the container. Eureka!
Just be careful. I hear those fine bones make sharp splinters!
The eggs that go into my dog’s homemade dog food go in, shells and all, but I hadn’t thought about adding additional eggshells.
I’ve seen people put them back in the carton, usually as a way to track how many eggs they have already put into a crowd-pleasing amount of scrambled eggs.
I wouldn’t even consider it simply because I reuse my egg cartons as the the place I shop offers eggs in bulk.
Compost pile. Adds calcium and the worms seem to like them. Never had a problem with bears, raccoons or pretty much any other critters, and I live in rural VT. We have a large covered stainless steel pot for all compost-able material (vegetable trimmings, eggshells, coffee grounds, etc.) which is emptied daily. No issues for us whatsoever, though I understand that urban dwellers have no option other than to toss the shells in the trash or down the disposal.
Huh. I never even thought to put whole eggs in there! I just use the shells and grind up some bones sometimes for the calcium. Eggs would be cheaper than meat!
Yes you’ve all just witnessed a DUH moment here.
I live in an apartment. No urban chickens, compost, or a garden.
I throw my eggshells in the trash.