ASM Global New Orleans and the Caesars Superdome have partnered with local nonprofit Arc of Greater New Orleans  (ArcGNO) to help achieve their goal of recycling one ton of beads from this year’s Mardi Gras festivities.

The initiative is part of ASM Global’s new corporate social responsibility platform, ASM Global Acts, which launched in October 2021 to protect the environment, invest in people and strengthen communities around the globe.

This unique partnership not only reduces the huge amount of waste typically produced during Carnival season but also creates jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who are hired to sort through the donated throws. The throws are later sent to ArcGNO’s Mardi Gras Bead Store and the funds help support over 80 market-wage, year-round jobs in the New Orleans metro area.

Following this year’s Endymion Extravaganza, which rolled through the Caesars Superdome on Saturday, February 26, ASM Global New Orleans was able to collect and donate approximately 1,800 pounds of Mardi Gras catches to ArcGNO.

“The return of Carnival following the pandemic, was not only an exciting time to welcome parades back to New Orleans, but an opportunity for us to partner with ArcGNO to help serve our community,” said Zane Collings, general manager for Caesars Superdome. “In alignment with the goals of our ASM Global Acts Program, we were thrilled to be able to contribute to creating a sustainable environment and a diverse local workforce.”

Through its community employment services, ArcGNO coaches and places participants with IDD in community businesses such as Rouses, Mr. Ed’s Oyster House, the U.S. Naval Base and more. Through group employment services, participants with IDD are paid by ArcGNO to service contracts that the nonprofit secures, which includes ground crews, janitorial crews and the Mardi Gras Recycling Center. Participants and volunteers who work at the Mardi Gras Recycling Center sort and package Mardi Gras throws that are later sent to the bead store for future purchases.

Donations of Mardi Gras beads may be dropped or purchased off year-round at Arc of Greater New Orleans, located at 925 Labarre Road in Metairie.