Mardi Gras Recycling Efforts Divert Nearly 14,000 Pounds of Material

RecycleDAT! coalition reports significant recycling during New Orleans Carnival season.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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According to city officials, RecycleDAT!, a coalition for recycling during Mardi Gras, has diverted 13,983 pounds of material from landfills so far during the 2026 Carnival season. This includes over 70,000 aluminum cans, 30,000 plastic bottles, 11,500 glass bottles and 16,000 throws.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras generates a massive amount of waste each year, so these recycling efforts by RecycleDAT! help reduce the environmental impact of the celebrations and promote sustainability in New Orleans.

The details

The recycling totals come from several initiatives, including on-the-route recycling during the first Mardi Gras weekend (6,040 pounds diverted), the Raise the Bar Recycling Program (7,128 pounds diverted), and can and bottle sweeps following parades like Krewe du Vieux, Krewe Bohème, and King Arthur (totaling 815 pounds diverted).

  • The recycling efforts took place during the 2026 Mardi Gras season in New Orleans.
  • The on-the-route recycling occurred from February 7-8, 2026.
  • The can and bottle sweeps followed parades on January 30, January 31, and February 8, 2026.

The players

RecycleDAT!

A coalition that organizes recycling efforts during the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.

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The takeaway

The recycling efforts by RecycleDAT! during the 2026 Mardi Gras season demonstrate the city's commitment to sustainability and reducing waste, setting an example for other major events and celebrations to follow.