As we near the end of Mardi Gras season, you may find yourself wondering what to do with the countless beads you will inevitably collect over the coming days.

Krewe de’ Kaoz, based in Foley, will be collecting used beads to repurpose and reuse for future Mardi Gras parades.

Renea Ammons, member of Krewe de’ Kaoz, said the inspiration for the recycling initiative came to her in 2019 when she was fishing with her husband and noticed beads being littered in the water.

“I reeled my line in and up came a strand of beads,” Ammons said. “I began walking along the edge and noticed a ton of beads everywhere.”

Ammons said she started researching the bead recycling programs in New Orleans and learned that most of the beads thrown during parades are not biodegradable.

“I started talking with other Krewe members, and we were inspired to start a similar recycling program here in Foley,” Ammons said. “We will have bins out at a few locations in the area for about three weeks and will try to get as many beads as we can.”

Ammons said the organization usually collects around 200-250 beads, which they separate, wash and re-bundle themselves to use the next year.
Beads that can not be salvaged are recycled so they don’t end up in the landfill.

The bins will be accepting beads from Feb. 18- March 10.
Participating locations include:
· OWA (Foley)
· Red Beards Treasure Chest (Foley)
· Rouses (Gulf Shores)
· Publix (Daphne)