New Orleans Faces Record Mardi Gras Trash Despite Cleanup Efforts: What’s Going Wrong?

In 2018, New Orleans sanitation crews made a startling discovery while clearing clogged drains: 46 tons of Mardi Gras beads, leaves, and mud. The sheer volume of waste—accumulated over decades of Carnival celebrations—shocked residents and officials alike.

“Once you hear a number like that, there’s no going back. So we’ve got to do better.”

Dani Galloway, then-director of New Orleans Public Works

Nearly a decade later, the problem has only worsened. During the 2026 Carnival season, which spanned roughly five weeks from January 6 to February 17, crews collected 1,363 tons of trash—beaded necklaces, beer cans, plastic cups, and other debris—along parade routes. This marks a 24% increase from the previous year and the highest total on record.

The tonnage is staggering in local terms: equivalent to the weight of 741 cars, roughly the same as the Steamboat Natchez, or more than 1 million king cakes.

Mardi Gras Waste Trends: A Decade of Rising Trash

Tons of trash collected from New Orleans parade routes, 2011–2026

• 2011: 582 tons
• 2012: 610 tons
• 2013: 645 tons
• 2014: 680 tons
• 2015: 720 tons
• 2016: 750 tons
• 2017: 800 tons
• 2018: 850 tons
• 2019: 920 tons
• 2020: 1,122 tons
• 2021: No Carnival (COVID-19 pandemic)
• 2022: 1,050 tons
• 2023: 1,180 tons
• 2024: 1,240 tons
• 2025: 1,100 tons
• 2026: 1,363 tons

Source: City of New Orleans

Why Is the Trash Pile Still Growing?

Mardi Gras tradition demands that float riders toss “throws”—beads, toys, and other trinkets—into crowds. Most are cheap plastic items, often laden with toxic chemicals like unsafe levels of lead. Many are dropped immediately after being caught, crushed underfoot, and later swept into landfills.

City officials initially attributed the 2026 trash surge to record crowds. An estimated 2.2 million people visited downtown New Orleans during the season, a 10% increase from 2025, according to the Downtown Development District and location analytics firm Placer.ai.

“The increase from last year was directly associated with the larger crowds. Anybody who was out at this year’s parades definitely took note that there seemed to be more people enjoying the Carnival season, which is great for the city.”

Matt Torri, Sanitation Director, City of New Orleans

However, a Verite News analysis found no clear link between attendance and trash levels. Waste has trended upward over the past decade, regardless of year-to-year crowd fluctuations. For example, the 2020 Carnival drew 2.4 million attendees but produced 241 fewer tons of garbage than in 2026.

Sustainability Efforts Fall Short

Brett Davis, founder of Grounds Krewe, a nonprofit advocating for sustainable Mardi Gras practices, called the waste increase “absurd.” His organization promotes recycling and waste reduction, but systemic challenges persist.

“Most throws are single-use plastics that end up in landfills or clogging drains,” Davis said. “We need a cultural shift—both from revelers and float riders—to prioritize eco-friendly alternatives.”

The beads’ toxic composition adds another layer of concern. Studies have shown that many contain high levels of lead and other harmful substances, posing risks to both the environment and public health.

Despite these issues, New Orleans continues to grapple with the legacy of its Carnival traditions. With trash volumes hitting record highs, the city faces urgent questions about sustainability, infrastructure, and the future of Mardi Gras.