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Mardi Gras Bead Recycling

Date: Feb 01 - Mar 15, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location(s): 
Mississippi Aquarium - (228) 241-1300
Category(s):
February 1 - March 15, 2025

Bring Mardi Gras Beads to Mississippi Aquarium for recycling and help local ecosystems and marine animals!
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Mardi Gras Bead Recycling Program

February 1 – March 15, 2025

Let the good times roll and then roll right to Mississippi Aquarium to recycle those unused and unwanted beads!

We celebrate all season long by lighting up the iconic sails Purple, Green, and Gold AND recycling Mardi Gras beads!


Mississippi Aquarium is excited to partner with local organizations across the coast to collect and recycle beads. Over the years, Mississippi Aquarium has collected tens of thousands of pounds of beads preventing them from entering ecosystems and harming wildlife.

Drop off those beads on the Ticketing Plaza on your way into the aquarium for a fun filled family day.


Try to find all of the animals that are always in the “Party Gras” spirit with their Purple, Green and Gold, like:

- Ziggy, the Emerald Tree Boa – Changing Tides Building

- Golden Trevallys – Aquatic Wonders

- Yoda, the Green Moray Eel – Aquatic Wonders

- Poison Dart Frogs – Changing Tides

- Purple Urchins – Changing Tides

- Banner, the Green Sea Turtle – Aquatic Wonders

Can you find any more?

DID YOU KNOW?

Mardi Gras beads are made of a petroleum-based plastic, which can have negative effects on a community’s infrastructure and the environment!

Each year, a large number of beads end up in habitats and waterways and the individual pellets of broken beads can appear as food to fish and birds. When consumed, this plastic can harm the fish or release chemicals and other toxins into fish, with devastating effects to that animal and beyond.


The small act of recycling beads can make a big impact in helping protect the wildlife in and around your community!

FUN FAMILY CHALLENGE!

Bring an extra bag or two to those parades to clean up Mardi Gras beads in your area along the parade route. See which family member can fill up their bag first – winner gets to pick which exhibit they visit first at Mississippi Aquarium!

You’ll be having some fun, creating family memories, and making a difference!


Beads collected will be repurposed and resold. At one of the partnering organizations, the beads will help to fund medical care for those in need. At another facility, the beads recycling process helps to provide jobs.

Mississippi Aquarium has partnered with many community businesses and organizations to maximize collection efforts across the entire Gulf Coast including:

- Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

Businesses interested in setting up their own collections in support of MSAQ and it’s Mardi Gras Bead recycling efforts are asked to email info@msaquarium.org.

Don't miss all the Mardi Gras fun around campus!

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