In partnership with Grounds Krewe, Osprey Initiative and other local organizations, the Every Can Counts chapter in the United States recycled a record number of used drink cans – nearly 197,000 cans – at Mardi Gras 2026 in the city of New Orleans as part of the Recycle Dat! initiative.
Mardi Gras generates 2.5 million lbs (~1.13 million kg) of waste in just 10 days of celebrations. Recycle Dat! is a community-wide effort to make this celebration more sustainable by providing convenient recycling options along the parade route.
This year, Recycle Dat! successfully diverted a total of 61,219 pounds (~27,768 kg) of recyclable materials from landfills during the 2026 Carnival season.
6,142 lbs (~2,786 kg) of aluminium, representing roughly 197,000 cans, were collected and sent for recycling to a local scrap yard EMR Metal Recycling, and the value of the scrap aluminium will be donated back to Grounds Krewe, so we can continue to fund future recycling efforts at Mardi Gras!
This total effort also included the recovery of 34,741 lbs (~15,758 kg) of glass, 1,691 lbs (~767 kg) of plastic and 18,646 lbs (~8,457 kg) of Mardi Gras beads and throws.
Building on prior success, this year’s programme introduced new strategies and expanded geographically, demonstrating the growing demand for sustainable Mardi Gras practices across the region.
To make recycling more visible and engaging for parade-goers, the local artist Erika Moore created the #PixelCan mural at Recycle World, an Every Can Counts installation showcasing the infinite recyclability of aluminium.
“RecycleDAT! 2026 showed what’s possible when strong partnerships and community participation come together,” said Brett Davis, Founding Director, Grounds Krewe. “Each year, we’re seeing more people embrace the opportunity to celebrate Mardi Gras in a way that’s both fun and responsible. The continued growth of this programme reflects a real shift in how our community approaches sustainability during Carnival and beyond.”
“Every Can Counts U.S. was proud to sponsor Recycle Dat! for a third consecutive year. Our goal was to recycle as many used beverage cans along the Mardi Gras parade routes, as well as in New Orleans bars and restaurants, and at Recycle World, where we exhibited an aluminium PixelCan art display,” said Scott Breen, President of Can Manufacturers Institute, lead organizer of Every Can Counts U.S.
“When recycled, 97% of aluminum beverage cans become new cans, and on average, aluminum beverage cans go from recycling bin to a new can in less than 60 days. Best of all, the cans collected this year will be sold to a local scrap yard – EMR Metal Recycling, with the revenue generated donated back to Grounds Krewe, supporting future recycling efforts in New Orleans.”