News

February 25, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

Mardi Gras Recycling Continues! Join Us at Recycle World Special Access Event & Sorting Demo Rescheduled Due to Parade Postponements

 

NEW ORLEANS — Due to parade delays, Recycle Dat! is rescheduling its Special Access Event and Sorting Demo at Recycle World to Wednesday, Feb. 26. from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 2 from 1 – 3 p.m. This interactive mega-recycling station offers an exclusive look at how Mardi Gras waste—beads, cans, and glass—is being sorted and diverted from landfills in real time. 

Media will have access to program organizers and special guests to discuss the impact of Mardi Gras recycling efforts so far. In addition to Wednesday’s event, limited nighttime recycling operations will continue until 10:30 p.m. at select hub locations.   

WHAT:

Recycle Dat! is rescheduling its Special Access Event and Sorting Demo at Recycle World 

 

WHEN: 

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (ideal for press stories BEFORE 2/28) 

Sunday, March 2, 1-3 p.m. (ideal for press stories AFTER 2/28) 

 

WHERE: 

Recycle World Louisiana Avenue and St. Charles Avenue 

Media parking available – contact Brett Davis at 504-875-0309  

 

FEATURES: 

  • Live sorting demonstration of Mardi Gras waste is recycled or repurposed 
  • Interactive art installation: Aluminum Can Mosaic – A Masterpiece of Sustainability 
  • Interviews with key leaders in sustainability and Mardi Gras recycling efforts 

 

MEDIA INTERVIEWS: The following representatives will be available for media pull-asides: 

  • Anna Nguyen, Office of Resilience & Sustainability, City of New Orleans 
  • Brett Davis, Grounds Krewe 
  • Franziska Trautmann, Glass Half Full 

 

RSVP & MEDIA REQUESTS: Media interested in attending should RSVP to anna.nguyen@nola.gov and indicate if advance interviews are needed. 

 

WHY IT MATTERS: Mardi Gras generates over 2 million pounds of trash along the Uptown parade each year, much of which could be recycled or repurposed. Recycle Dat! is working to change that by redefining the sustainability of Carnival. This event showcases how recycling can be both impactful and engaging, ensuring that the magic of Mardi Gras doesn’t come at the expense of our environment.  For more information about the Recycle Dat initiatives this year, visit www.recycledat.org.  

 

MID-PROGRAM IMPACT UPDATE: Due to weather delays, complete recycling impact data is not yet available. However, Recycle Dat!'s Mardi Bar Wars program has already diverted 22,000 lbs of glass from 23 bars, while Recycle Dat!’s walking krewe the ReCyclists also diverted 162 lbs of aluminum, 6 lbs of plastic, and 10 lbs of glass at the Krewe of Boheme. More updates to come after Mardi Gras Day.   

 

UPDATED ROUTE RECYCLING SCHEDULE: 

  • Wednesday & Thursday – Recycle Dat! After Dark! 🌜 

          5 p.m. – 10 p.m. 

  • Limited stations focused on the earlier part of the parade route 
  • Check www.recycledat.org for updated station map and hours 
  • Saturday & Sunday – Regular Hours 😎 

         10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Join us to see how we’re making Mardi Gras greener—one bead, bottle, and can at a time!