KEY TAKEAWAYS: 16 French Quarter hotels join 2026 bead recycling program 10,705 pounds of Mardi Gras beads recycled in 2025 Program operated by New Orleans–based Glass Half Full Beads donated to ArcGNO to support inclusive employment   The French Quarter Management District is expandi ng its Mardi Gras sustainability efforts by partnering with downtown hotels to recycle thousands of pounds of discarded beads, an initiative that more than doubled its collection totals last year. FQMD announced it will provide free bead recycling services to 16 French Quarter hotels during the 2026 Mardi Gras season. The program, now in its third year, is operated by New Orleans–based recycling company Glass Half Full. In 2025, the program collected 10,705 pounds of Mardi Gras beads, more than triple the 3,346 pounds collected the previous year, according to FQMD. Recycling bins began appearing in participating hotels on Jan. 19, with collection continuing through Mardi Gras Day on Feb. 17. Hotels are hosting 64-gallon bead recycling stations in lobbies, guest floors and utility areas, encouraging visitors to drop off lightly used beads rather than discard them. “The bead recycling partnership helps protect the historic streets, sidewalks, and drainage infrastructure of the French Quarter by reducing post-Mardi Gras debris, ensuring that one of Louisiana‘s most treasured cultural districts remains clean, walkable and visually intact,” said FQMD Executive Director Michelle Courseault. Glass Half Full collects the beads and donates them to ArcGNO, where they are sorted and repackaged by employees with intellectual disabilities, creating workforce opportunities while keeping plastic out of landfills. Steve Caputo, general manager of Hotel Monteleone, said the program offers a better alternative to traditional disposal methods. “For years, hotels had to develop systems to collect and dispose of all those left-over Mardi Gras beads,” Caputo said. “I know I speak for our staff and, most likely our guests, when I say we all feel better knowing the beads will not only be collected but recycled for a good cause.” During peak Carnival season, Glass Half Full may conduct up to 10 pickups per day at participating hotels. The company will also collect and recycle cardboard boxes discarded by float riders after loading beads and throws. Participating hotels include Bienville House, Hotel Monteleone, Hilton Riverside, Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, Sheraton New Orleans, The Royal Sonesta, The Westin New Orleans and Wyndham New Orleans–French Quarter, among others. FQMD said the bead recycling initiative complements its year-round recycling services, which include free weekly glass, aluminum, paper, cardboard and plastic drop-off locations throughout the French Quarter in partnership with Glass Half Full. The French Quarter Management District is a state political subdivision created by the Louisiana Legislature to support safety, sanitation and quality-of-life initiatives in the historic district. ...read more read less