Mission: Volunteers are needed to assist with the fourth year of the “on the route” parade recycling initiative to help collect unwanted throws, aluminum cans and plastic bottles. The program is coordinated by Grounds Krewe, a special events waste reduction non-profit.
Program Summary: 6-8 recycling stations will be located along a targeted section of the uptown parade route. Each station consist of a table, banner, chairs, and recycling bins. “Parade Recycling” signs staked along the route will inform the public of station locations and up to date program details through a scannable QR code.
Volunteers at each station will distribute and collect ArcGNO throw recycling/donation bags for free to parade watchers who ask for them. They will give instructions on how to use the bag and options for returning it. They will also monitor the aluminum can and plastic bottle “x-frame” bins where the public can drop off their recyclables and change the bags as needed. Finally, they will collect and stage the throw bags as they are turned in for pick up by a Grounds Krewe truck the following morning.
Driving Directions & Advice:
Arriving: Biking, walking, carpool or drop off highly recommended! Roads along and across the route close sequentially about an hour before the first parade passes and stay closed until the city clean up is finished after the last parade when they open again sequentially. Parade float formation typically closes the road at Tchoupitoulas & Napoleon Ave. The combination of closures results in area that only has one entry and exit point ; “the uptown box”. The 1-10 exit and on-ramp at Tchoupitoulas is only guaranteed and traffic filled way in and out. It is recommend to park outside of the box and arrive as easily as possible to find close street parking.
Leaving: To exit “the uptown box” early use Tchoupitoulas going toward downtown and use 1-10 ramp. Expect delays.
Duties:
Distributing & collecting bags with clear use instructions.
Monitoring can/bottle recycling bins for proper use & changing bags.
Moderate lifting of bags that weigh up to 25 pounds. Pushing a 100 pound cart on bike wheels.
Explanation of program mission & goals to the public.
Rough counting/tallying of bags distributed & collected.
Weather: The recycling program will follow the actions of the parading Krewes. If they cancel or shift times, we will do so accordingly. If rain, but no lightning is forecast and the parade will roll, program coordinators will make a decision about which bags can be passed as wet, dirty throws are not recyclable.
Safety: All volunteers will be required to sign a release and waiver of liability form. Any volunteer group under 18 years of age will require chaperones and supervision provided by the volunteering organization. Professional drivers will be employed to drive the recycling trucks.
Bathrooms: There are city provided portable toilets on Napoleon Ave & Louisiana. Sacred Heart school and the Chloe Hotel will also let any vested volunteers use their bathrooms.
Arriving at Station: Please report to your station assignment on time. Be looking for someone in a. yellow recycling vest to greet you between 10:00 to 10:20am. If you haven’t been greeted by that time, please call Brett @ 504-875-0309.
During the shift: Volunteer coordinators will be biking from station to station to check on everything and answer questions.
What volunteers should bring: Water bottle, Backpack, Rain gear, Charged Cell Phone, Comfortable shoes, Gloves. Costumes (optional)
What will be provided to volunteers: Neon Vests, Gloves, Waivers & Pens
Recyclable Throw Items: Beads, toys, stuffed animals & unused cups. Public can also hand in these items in their own bags.
Non-Recyclable Throw Items: Broken, dirty, wet or contaminated throws.
Recyclable Disposable Waste Items: Aluminum beer and soda cans, #1 or #2 plastic drink bottles.
Non-Recyclable Waste Items: Glass, paper, cardboard, plastic #3 through #8, plastic bags, styrofoam, contaminated items, food.
Spectator Greeting: “Welcome! We are providing recycling services during the parades today. We have free throw donation bags from ArcGNO and recycling bins here for aluminum cans and plastic bottles.
You can take the throw bag and bring it back any time to one of our stations until 4pm or turn it year round at an ArcGNO donation point. The program helps gives jobs to people with intellectual disabilities. No broken or dirty throws please! We are also accepting aluminum cans and empty plastic bottles #1 and #2.
All the information about the program, what’s accepted, when and where are on the webpage you get to with this QR code.”
Parade Spectator FAQ’s:
What is Grounds Krewe? A non-profit with a mission to reduce waste at NOLA events.
Where do the throws go? ArcGNO Mardi Gras recycle center in Metairie where it provides jobs for citizens with intellectual disabilities. Recycling bag has link for city wide drop off locations.
Where do the cans and bottles go? Republic Services in Metairie.
Can I have more than one bag? We ask that you take one per group of 6 as supplies are limited. If you bring back a full bag we will give you another.
Can I turn them in after the night parade? Our initiative ends at 4pm. If you forget to turn in the throw bag, please bring it to an ArcGNO location found in the link on the bag. Can & bottle bags can be brought to your home bin.
WANT TO BE A RECYCLING VOLUNTEER? SIGN UP FOR MORE INFO:
