Where to Recycle Mardi Gras Beads in Lafayette

LAFAYETTE, La. (KMDL-FM) - If you're planning to attend a Mardi Gras parade or two this week, chances are you'll be catching a good amount of beads and you may not want all of them. Good thing there's an easy way to get rid of them without simply chunking them all in the trash.

Citywide Bead Recycling Returns

Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG), in partnership with Parish Proud, the LCG Department of Environmental Quality (EQ), and Keep Lafayette Beautiful, announces the return of its citywide bead recycling initiative to help reduce Mardi Gras waste and protect local infrastructure and the environment.

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Where to Find Recycling Bins

Through the Clean Up Krewe program, bright green beads only recycling bins have been placed throughout the City of Lafayette at participating businesses along parade routes. There are 11 total locations and those bins will be left out through February 27, 2026. The bins give residents and visitors an easy, convenient way to recycle unwanted Mardi Gras beads after Fat Tuesday is over.

“Mardi Gras is meant to be fun—not messy,” said Bess Foret, Environmental Quality Manager. “Last year, our Clean Up Krewe efforts kept more than 1,500 pounds of beads out of our storm drains and landfills. By bringing back citywide bead recycling, we’re giving people an easy way to celebrate and still take care of Lafayette.”

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Why Recycling Mardi Gras Beads Matters

The Clean Up Krewe program collects used throws for reuse during future celebrations, keeping them out of storm drains and extending their life before disposal. Arc of Acadiana will pick up the bins and carefully sort the reusable beads from the broken or damaged ones.

Where to Find Recycling Bins

To learn more about Clean Up Krewe and find a bead recycling bin near you, visit lafayettela.gov/cleanupkrewe.