Sofia Martinez
New Orleans offers a variety of recycling options for its residents, including curbside recycling and recycling drop-off centres. While the city encourages recycling, it is important to be mindful of what can and cannot be recycled. For instance, plastic bags are not accepted in curbside recycling bins and must be recycled separately at local grocery stores. Additionally, only certain types of plastic are accepted for recycling in New Orleans. Only plastic with #1 and #2 inside the triangular-shaped recycling symbol will be recycled, with other types being sent to landfills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags | Cannot be recycled curbside; can be returned to local grocery stores for recycling |
| Plastic with #1 & #2 inside the triangular-shaped recycling symbol | Can be recycled curbside |
| Plastic with #3-#7 inside the triangular-shaped recycling symbol | Cannot be recycled curbside; will be added to a landfill |
| Thin, plastic garbage bags | Can be recycled through a separate process; most grocery stores will take them back |
| Mardi Gras beads | Can be recycled at Arc-GNO locations in Metairie, New Orleans, and Westwego |
| Plastic disposable bottles | Can be replaced with reusable water bottles |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bag recycling
Plastic bags cannot be recycled curbside in Orleans or Jefferson Parish. However, many local grocery stores will take plastic bags back and recycle them. Some stores may only accept certain types of plastic bags, so it is best to check with your closest grocer to see if they participate and what types of bags they accept.
Plastic bags should not be placed in your recycling bin as they can clog the mechanics of recycling sorters. They must be recycled through a separate process.
In addition to grocery stores, there are other options for recycling plastic bags in New Orleans. For example, on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, residents can bring standard recycling to the Elysian Fields Recycling Drop-Off Center.
To reduce plastic bag waste, it is recommended to bring reusable cloth bags when shopping instead of using single-use plastic bags.
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Plastic types #1 and #2
No. 1 Plastic is PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a lightweight, easy-to-recycle plastic typically used for soft drink and water bottles, condiment containers, and mouthwash bottles. No. 2 Plastic is HDPE (high-density polyethylene), one of the safest plastics that can be regularly reused without any risk of leaching chemicals. It is found in milk jugs, detergent bottles, and yoghurt tubs.
In New Orleans, plastics #1 and #2 can be recycled curbside. However, it is important to note that plastic bags are not accepted in curbside recycling bins, and other types of plastics, such as #3 PVC and #4 LDPE, are not accepted by New Orleans recycling facilities.
To recycle plastic bags and other thin, plastic materials in New Orleans, residents can take them to most grocery stores, which will take them back for recycling. Additionally, on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, there is a recycling drop-off at 2829 Elysian Fields, where residents can bring standard recyclables, as well as e-waste, lightbulbs, and tires.
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Plastic bottle alternatives
While New Orleans offers recycling drop-off and pick-up programs, it is still important to reduce the use of plastic bottles to lower your environmental impact. Plastic bottles can take hundreds of years to decompose, and according to one source, only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bottles:
Glass Bottles
Glass bottles are a safe and sustainable alternative to plastic bottles. They are infinitely recyclable and do not lose their quality over time. Glass is also a natural material that does not contain chemicals such as Bisphenol-A, commonly found in plastics. Glass bottles are odour and stain-resistant, and can be used for both hot and cold drinks. They are also durable and long-lasting, reducing the likelihood of them ending up in a landfill. Glass bottles are available in various sizes and designs, including protective designs that reduce the likelihood of breakage.
Stainless Steel Bottles
Stainless steel bottles are free of toxic elements such as BPA and phthalate, commonly found in plastic bottles. They are lightweight and long-lasting, making them easy to carry around and reducing the need for frequent replacements. Stainless steel bottles are also good at keeping drinks hot or cold for extended periods. However, the interior lining can get worn out over time, causing the water to taste metallic.
Aluminium Bottles
Aluminium bottles are durable, lightweight, and long-lasting, requiring minimal maintenance. They are easy to clean and can be washed with ordinary cleaning materials. The manufacturing process for aluminium bottles is greener than that of plastic bottles, as it does not produce any toxic elements. However, aluminium bottles can get dented easily, which may affect their aesthetic appeal.
Biodegradable Bottles
Biodegradable disposable water bottles are made from corn starch and other biodegradable materials, which naturally break down over time. When biodegradable products break down, carbon dioxide is released into the air, and as long as the raw materials come from renewable sources, the carbon is reabsorbed into plants. This creates a closed-loop solution. Biodegradable bottles also produce fewer greenhouse gases during production than regular plastic bottles.
Boxed Water
Boxed water, or paper bottles, have gained popularity as a more sustainable alternative to plastic bottles. They are typically made from paperboard sourced from sustainably managed forests. This option may eventually replace disposable plastic water bottles.
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Plastic recycling drop-off locations
Plastic recycling in New Orleans can be done through curbside recycling or at specific drop-off locations. The City of New Orleans offers recycling drop-off days for items such as lightbulbs, clothing, ink cartridges, and batteries. However, it is important to note that plastic bags, whether or not they have the recycling logo, cannot be recycled at curbside bins in Orleans or Jefferson.
For plastic bag recycling, many local grocery stores will take back plastic bags for recycling. Some locations that accept plastic bags for recycling include Whole Foods in Metairie and Rosalie's Apothecary in Mid-City. Additionally, some local bars and restaurants have adopted eco-friendly containers, straws, and cups, which can be recycled.
For other plastic items, the Recycling Drop Off Center on Elysian Fields accepts standard recycling, including e-waste, on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month from 8 am to 1 pm. This center is located at 2829 Elysian Fields and is a part of the New Orleans Department of Sanitation.
The Green Project, located at 2831 Marais St., also accepts a range of plastic items for recycling, such as usable paint and paint products, lumber, hardware, tools, and plumbing fixtures. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm but check their website for specific guidelines.
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Plastic waste disposal
Curbside Recycling
The City of New Orleans offers curbside recycling on demand, but registration is required. Plastics with the #1 and #2 symbols inside the triangular recycling symbol can be placed in curbside recycling bins. This includes plastic beverage bottles, food containers, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, prescription bottles, baby wipe containers, and household cleaner bottles. It's important to ensure that these containers are empty and rinsed before placing them in the bin.
Drop-Off Recycling
New Orleans has a recycling drop-off program, providing an alternative for those who cannot access curbside recycling. On the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, residents can bring their plastic waste to the Elysian Fields Recycling Center, located at 2829 Elysian Fields, between 8 AM and 1 PM. This center accepts standard recycling, including some plastics.
Grocery Store Recycling
Many local grocery stores in New Orleans participate in plastic bag recycling. Residents can return clean and dry plastic bags to these stores for recycling. Additionally, some stores may accept other thin, plastic garbage bags and packaging for recycling through a separate process.
Electronic Waste Recycling
The Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council specializes in recycling electronic waste, including computers, monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, phones, cellphones, and digital cameras. They provide drop-off locations or collection services for electronic waste, helping to ensure that plastics from these items are properly recycled.
Glass Recycling
While not directly related to plastic waste, it's worth noting that glass recycling is also an important part of waste reduction. Residents of New Orleans can bring up to 50 lbs of glass to the Elysian Fields recycling drop-off on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. This service is provided by the Orleans parish and contributes to the overall reduction of waste in the city.
In summary, the City of New Orleans provides a range of options for plastic waste disposal and recycling. By following the guidelines for curbside and drop-off recycling, utilizing grocery store plastic bag return programs, and exploring electronic waste recycling options, residents of New Orleans can play a crucial role in reducing plastic waste and contributing to a more sustainable future for their city.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastics with #1 and #2 inside the triangular-shaped recycling symbol can be recycled curbside in Orleans. This includes beverage bottles, food containers, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, prescription bottles, baby wipe containers, household cleaner and bleach bottles (empty and rinsed), flower pots, and buckets. Orleans Parish will also collect glass for recycling on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.
Plastic bags can be recycled at most local grocery stores. Thin, plastic garbage bags can clog the mechanics of recycling sorters and must be recycled through a separate process. Lightbulbs can be recycled at the City of New Orleans drop-off days and at many Lowe's and Home Depot locations.
Many local bars and restaurants have switched to eco-friendly containers, straws, and cups. You can also recycle plastic Mardi Gras beads at Arc-GNO (located at 925 Labarre Rd in Metairie, 5700 Loyola Avenue in New Orleans, and 333 Sala Avenue in Westwego).
