Let the Good Times Roll Responsibly! Bead Donation Info

Ahh, Mardi Gras…the glittering parades, the joyous crowds, and all those beads! You screamed your head off to get them but now what? Before you toss the ones you don’t want to save in the trash, consider donating them. Millions of pounds of beads get thrown every Carnival season and when left on the streets or thrown into the trash, these lightweight plastics can clog storm drains, end up in our waterways, and hang out in landfills. This isn’t just about saving space in your attic–it’s about protecting our environment, wildlife, and the places we love to celebrate. 

Donate to ArcGNO (Greater New Orleans)

One of the biggest and best options for recycling beads in the New Orleans area is through the ArcGNO Mardi Gras Recycle Center. Here beads get sorted, repackaged, and used again for next year’s festivities. They’ll even set up collection bins if you want to host a drive! 

Drop-off sites (Greater New Orleans area):

• ArcGNO – Metairie: 925 Labarre Rd., Metairie, LA 70001 
• New Orleans Sanitation Department: 2829 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122 (drop-off available 2nd & 4th Saturday monthly) 
• Whole Foods Market: 5600 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115 (same limited Saturday hours) 
• ArcGNO Westwego Community Center: 333 Sala Ave., Westwego, LA 70094 
• ArcGNO Chalmette Community Center: 3700 Jean Lafitte Pkwy., Chalmette, LA 70043 
• ArcGNO Northshore Community Center: 2810 8th St., Mandeville, LA 70471 
• Jefferson Parish Sanitation: 400 David Dr., Metairie, LA 70003 & 6440 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, LA 70072 

Double-check before making the trip.

Recycle Dat!

The City of New Orleans' recycling program Recycle Dat! has placed bead disposal sites along parade routes. These sites, which are only active at parade times, can be found between Chestnut Street and Napoleon Avenue, and on Harmony Circle and St. Charles Avenue. 

Donate to St. Michael Special School

The Joy Activity Center serves St. Michael Upper School graduates 22 years+ who thrive in an environment of continued cognitive engagement and daily social activities. Their Mardi Gras bead recycling program is a popular pastime for the Joy Center participants who sort and organize them to sell back to krewes for a suggested donation. Visit their website to learn more.

Audubon Zoo

The Audubon Nature Institute has Mardi Gras bead collection boxes at the Audubon Zoo's front gate and at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center. The center also has a drop-off location by the Arc of Greater New Orleans. 

Hotel Drop-off Bins with Glass Half Full & FQMD

Many French Quarter and downtown hotels are hosting Mardi Gras bead recycling stations, making it easy to drop off beads on your way out the door. These bins are part of a sustainability effort with the French Quarter Management District and Glass Half Full. Just look around the lobby for drop-off spots!

Simple Ways You Can Help (Even After Mardi Gras)

• Host a mini drive with friends or your school. ArcGNO will help set up collection bins if you want to organize something bigger.
• Turn them into crafts or decor if you’re creative.
• Spread the word! Share why recycling beads matters. Share this blog!