NEW ORLEANS – The Young Leadership Council of New Orleans (YLC) has launched a new recycling program for Mardi Gras this year in hopes to counter the reported 940 tons of waste collected off the streets during the carnival season.
The program will distribue recycling bags through the parade route in uptown New Orleans during the Krewe of Freret parade on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 2:30 p.m. and the Krewe of Thoth on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 12 p.m.
Efforts will include:
- Recycling bags will be distributed by uniformed YLCR & Arc volunteers before, during, and after parades to Krewes and members of the public along the parade route. Separate bags for aluminum, plastic, and throws will be available.
- Six designated collection stations will be set up along the parade routes to accept recycled waste, with detailed instructions indicated on each bag on Napoleon Ave. and St. Charles Ave. Each station will have a tent, table and bins for both recycled throws and disposable waste.
- Trucks will take away bagged waste to recycling facilities before city clean up arrives.
- Volunteers will break down bead boxes and assist with other post-event recycling efforts. Krewes are connected with a network of sustainable bead suppliers to ensure that remaining throws are recycled.
- Republic Services will collect co-mingled recyclables from the recycling stations and bring the waste to their Materials Recovery Facility for processing.
YLC Recycles is collaborating with Arc of Greater New Orleans, Republic Services, Krewe of Freret, Krewe of Thoth, and the City of New Orleans’ Department of Sanitation. This pilot program will be documented, measured, and refined in an effort to promote eventual adoption by the city government.
