Recycled Glass Could Reshape Fire Island's Fragile Dunes

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Fire Island's dunes may soon be strengthened using an experimental fertilizer made from recycled glass, shells, and other local waste, backed by a new $305,000 NSF grant. Foogly Corp. plans to test the material on about 50 Fire Island properties and, pending state permits, on eroded dunes, aiming to build stronger native plant roots and reduce environmentally damaging sand dredging.

Why it matters

Fire Island's dunes are a critical natural barrier protecting the island's homes and infrastructure from coastal storms and erosion. This new approach using recycled materials could provide a more sustainable way to fortify the dunes compared to traditional sand dredging, which can disrupt the local ecosystem.

The details

The new dune-fortifying material is made from a mix of recycled glass, shells, and other waste products found on Fire Island. Foogly Corp., the company behind the project, plans to test applying the material to about 50 private properties on the island as well as eroded public dune areas, pending state environmental permits. The goal is to help native plants take root more deeply, creating a stronger natural barrier against storms and erosion.

• Foogly Corp. received a $305,000 grant from the National Science Foundation in March 2026 to fund the dune restoration project.
• The company plans to begin testing the recycled material on private properties this spring, with plans to expand to public dune areas later in 2026 if they receive the necessary permits.

What’s next

Foogly Corp. is awaiting state environmental permits to begin testing the recycled material on public dune areas on Fire Island. If the initial trials are successful, the company plans to expand the program to more properties across the island.