Recycling + Re-Use New Orleans Guide

I know that it can be frustrating to be an environmentalist and committed to recycling in Louisiana - use this guide for recycling + re-use in New Orleans. I collect recycling info (and keep it updated) to help make it a little easier & save you some legwork. Please let me know if you have additional info & I'll add it to the list!

When I was in high school we did a 'walk in my shoes' job day, I chose to spend the day as the Recycling Center / Landfill manager. It made a significant impact on me to see the endless mountains of trash first-hand. At that time I was living in a small town, but I continue to think about how large landfills are (and how many there are) to accommodate each city or town. Between that & having grown up in Europe as a kid, I am physically unable to throw things away that are recyclable or re-usable. So much so that a funny ex-boyfriend gave me the nickname 're-psycho' - haha. But seriously, it does make a difference, check out the details below.

P.S. - A * before a listed location indicates a place for Re-use, otherwise locations are for recycling.

Glass -
Glass Half Full, Dropoff every Monday, Wednesday, & Saturday at their Gentilly location, at 3935 Louisa Street, from 9am - 5.30pm. Monthly pickup/paid service also available, see if your neighborhood is available on this page to sign up for pickup. (Also now available on the Northshore & Baton Rouge) Bonus - their pickup vans are electric vehicles! Also check additional drop-off locations in Algiers, the Bywater, Lower 9th, Gentilly, & more, here!
Target, 4500 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie *Closed during pandemic
Tulane University's Newcomb Art Department, accepts clear glass only, must call (504) 865-5327 before you go, donations can be overwhelming at times.
Whole Foods Metairie, 3420 Veterans Memorial Blvd. The glass recycling collection is located behind the store. *Closed during pandemic
(Please bring it back, Whole Foods on Broad Street!) 

Appliances -
Best Buy, 1138 S. Clearview Pkwy, double check for size limitations (for recycling)
*Habitat Re-Store, 2900 Elysian Fields, Check website for list of donate-able items for Re-use

Batteries -
Home Depot, 1100 S. Claiborne, container near the entrance/returns desk

Building Materials / Home Repair (For Re-Use) -
*The Green Project, 2831 Marais Street
*Habitat Re-Store, 2900 Elysian Fields, Check website for a list of donate-able items

Clothing-
*Drop Boxes, click to find the closest to you (Louisiana-wide) / 

Compost-
Public Libraries drop off schedules: Daily pick-ups by Compost Now, check their site for drop-off schedules. Each day has different library locations & hours. *Closed during pandemic

Cosmetics-
Origins, accepts all cosmetics for recycling, not only Origins products.

Electronics -
Best Buy, 1138 S. Clearview Pkwy, additional locations, call to confirm
Best Buy accepts: Audio Equipment, Cameras, Car Audio/Video/GPS, Cellphones, Computers & Tablets, Radios, Rechargeable Batteries, Video Equipment. Check here for the comprehensive list and further info.
Target, 4500 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, Small Electronics only, 3" or less

Ink Cartridges -
FedEx Office, Canon cartridges only, 762 St. Charles Ave, call to confirm at other locations
Office Depot, Any cartridge brand, 1429 St. Charles Ave, call to confirm at other locations

Light Bulbs, Compact Fluorescent -
Lowe's, bring to the customer service desk, 2501 Elysian Fields
Home Depot, 1100 S. Claiborne

Paper, Plastics 1-7, Cardboard, & Small Metal Cans -
Curbside recycling, call 311 to request your recycle bin, it can take a couple weeks to arrive btw.

Plastic Bags -
*This includes bubble wrap, saran wrap (clean), bubble mailers, ziploc bags, etc.
Lowe's, bring to the customer service desk, 2501 Elysian Fields
Rouse's Locations
Target, 4500 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 

Textiles - 
Ric Rack, complete this form to see which items they accept (Art Supplies; Appliques; Antique Sewing Machines (working, nonworking); Beads; Books (of a related subject); Buttons; Embroidery hoops; Embroidery Floss; Fabric - rolls and large pieces; Office supplies; Rhinestones; RIT Dyes; Scraps; Sergers (only working please, in good condition); Sewing Supplies and Tools (New or Slightly used); Sewing machines (working only please); Sewing Patterns (must be complete with instructions, new or slightly used); Trim & Sewing Notions; Thread (all kinds) (New or Slightly used); Vintage costumes in good condition; Yarn)

TVs - Best Buy, 1138 S. Clearview Pkwy, double check for size limitations

The City's Recycling Drop-off Center accepts most of the above + more on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 2829 Elysian Fields Avenue, 8am-1pm. See the link for a full list of accepted items & bring your ID, to show proof of New Orleans residency.

Thank you for checking out our blog! As your reward for making it to the end, use code 'recycling' for FREE U.S. shipping on orders over $30 : )