Catching beads and throws are a staple of the Mardi Gras experience, but they also create massive amounts of waste. Over 25 million pounds of Mardi Gras beads are thrown away annually and only 2% are recycled.
Tulane University students can recycle beads from Mardi Gras parades at multiple locations near campus.
The fraternity Delta Tau Delta has a recycle bin outside their home — 835 Broadway Street — where students can drop off unwanted beads. These beads will then be taken to The Arc of Greater New Orleans, a local nonprofit that supports those with intellectual disabilities, according to a message from the fraternity. ArcGNO takes beads and sells them online and at their Metairie location.
Tulane’s Residence Hall Association is also taking donations of unwanted Mardi Gras throws this week on McAlister Place. The collection is part of “Sustainability Gras,” an annual campus-wide initiative to collect and donate unwanted Mardi Gras throws.
ArcGNO has multiple other locations in the Orleans parish where students can recycle their beads: Whole Foods Uptown, Strive Incorporated, Audubon Zoo and Audubon Louisiana Nature Center.
Three krewes, including the Krewe of Freret, threw biodegradable beads this year in hopes of a more sustainable Mardi Gras. However, for students with unwanted plastic beads, they can use locations near campus to dispose of them safely and properly.