New Orleans,
22
February
2023
|
14:28 PM
America/Chicago

Recycle Your Mardi Gras Beads at Audubon

Now that the Mardi Gras parades have ended for the year, Audubon Nature Institute has a way for parade-goers to responsibly recycle all those beads they caught during Carnival season. Mardi Gras bead collection boxes will be located at the front gate at Audubon Zoo and at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center for the public to drop off beads for recycling by the Arc of Greater New Orleans. Those beads will be used in future parades to continue the fun of carnival for another year.

About 25 million pounds of beads are thrown at Mardi Gras yearly, but only a very small portion of those are recycled. Audubon Nature Institute is committed to keeping Mardi Gras beads out of landfills and away from nature by making it easier for parade goers to give their beads a second life. 

“Everyone loves the thrill of catching beads at a parade,” said Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman. “But all those shiny throws create tons of waste that can clog storm drains and harm nature and wildlife. Recycling Mardi Gras beads and other items helps keep them out of the environment and make us all feel good about letting the good times roll.” 

Drop off collection boxes will be at Audubon Zoo and Audubon Louisiana Nature Center until March 6th. Since Audubon Aquarium is currently closed for a major renovation, bead recycling is not available at that location.

No admission is needed to drop off your unwanted beads.