When walking around the French Quarter, one might notice a fresh lemon scent penetrating the air. The sanitation company IV Waste’s one-year emergency contract with the city has noticeably improved the cleanliness of the notoriously dirty French Quarter over the past nine months.
In December of 2024, IV Waste won the right to a one-year emergency contract through a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling. This was due to legal disputes over a long-term contract with another company, Henry Consulting.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell initially attempted to terminate IV Waste’s contract early in late April to begin the long-term deal with Henry Consulting. Her motives for this switch are unclear. Instead, the court ruling kept IV Waste with a reinstated emergency contract.
Despite a lack of support from Cantrell, IV Waste has transformed the French Quarter. New Orleans residents have seen a large Improvement with IV Waste and have galvanized over the belief that Mayor Cantrell’s deal with Henry Consulting will be harmful for the future of the French Quarter.
The residents of New Orleans have never been so collectively passionate about trash.
Former French Quarter Resident Marty Myers has worked at Royal Carriages New Orleans the past five years as a horse carriage driver. He is confident IV Waste’s service to the French Quarter improves the quality of life and tourism of the neighborhood.
“I can’t say enough good things about it [IV Waste]. It’s fantastic. I’ve been here most of my life and I’ve never seen the city this clean in my entire life. Bourbon Street doesn’t smell anymore; the streets smell of lemon now, and my passengers recognize it.” Myers said. “This promotes pride in our city because it just looks so nice … Before there were certain parts of Bourbon Street that I wouldn’t go on. Now I go on Bourbon Street because I want to.”
In July, three of Cantrell’s top aides, including the sanitation director, reportedly questioned Henry Consulting’s readiness for the work, noting that the firm lacked necessary equipment and facilities just weeks before the contract was set to begin. According to Director of Sanitation Matt Torri, if Henry Consulting were to take over IV Waste’s work, it would cause a $2.1 million deficit, and Henry Consulting would be doing less work than IV Waste.
“I’m just afraid of whoever else comes in after IV Waste, because there’s no way they could do the same job they’re doing right now. It’s the best I’ve ever seen. They set standards very, very high, and I’m not sure I’ve met another company that could meet those standards,” Myers said.
On every block downtown, there is at least one sign reading “Keep IV Waste.” The spirit of the New Orleans community has shown through this dispute; these locals are dedicated to showing their pride while keeping their city clean.