Here is where you can recycle and up-cycle your Mardi Gras beads!
Did you know that 25 millions pounds of beads and throws get tossed in city landfills each year for Mardi Gras?
Let’s change that! We’ve gathered resources, and have found places where you can turn them in, turn them into art, even earn donuts!
Free Bead Pick-up
Saturday, March 4, 10-1pm
Uber will pick up your beads and deliver them to ARC. Tap on the yellow ‘beads’ message on the bottom of your screen ( while in the Uber app) to request pick-up.
DIY Mardi Gras Bead Workshop
Algiers Regional Library, Saturday March 4, 2-4:30 pm; Join them the weekend after Mardi Gras to recycle some of your beads! Bring your loot and learn how to turn your beads into art. This workshop is open to all ages but patrons 10-years-old and under will need to be accompanied by a guardian.
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Arc of Greater New Orleans
While New Orleans and surrounding areas celebrate the Carnival Season each year, Arc of Greater New Orleans is in Mardi Gras mode year round. Arc’s Mardi Gras Recycle Center receives donations of beads and throws from parade goers that are then sorted, packaged and sold to float riders in 30-pound crawfish sacks. It’s a great way to save money and save the environment at the same time.
Not only does the recycle center sell beads at a great price, but more importantly, it employs people with disabilities. Our year-round center is one of six social enterprises managed by Arc of Greater New Orleans, a 60+ year-old non-profit that serves people with intellectual disabilities and delays from birth through adulthood in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany parishes.
* pro-tip if you’re uptown….you can also drop-off beads right out front (neatly, in bags) of Arc on Nashville, one block off St. Charles.
Recycle beads at any Audubon location (for Arc)
Beads will be collected behind the Education Gate at the Zoo, the Information Booth and Giant Screen Theater ticket counter at the Aquarium, and the Guest Services counter at the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium until March 6.
Beads for Donuts!
March 20 & 21st only
Bring in 12 pounds of beads and get a free dozen original glazed donuts at any Metairie Krispy Kreme!
Upcycle your beads!
We found some fun and creative ideas gathered on Mardi Gras New Orleans from lamp shades to signs, coasters, and the ever popular door hangers! Separate your beads by the color, look at designs, and start crafting! Simple projects include creating bead coasters or decorating frames- think what great gifts these would make for Grandparents- or (hint hint) Mothers and Fathers day!
  Send the Mardi Gras Beads on a trip!
In our house, for the past several years we gather together several huge ziplock freezer bags and divided our best beads, trinkets and throws into them- and then the following year, a few weeks before Mardi Gras, we send them to out-of-town friends and their kids to spread the Mardi Gras spirit!
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