As local governments across the U.S. and the metro area scale back curbside recycling efforts, New Orleans officials are considering expanding services thanks to a $3.9 million federal grant that could soon expire if the funds aren't used.

A City Council committee on Monday approved a plan for the grant money that was awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2023 and must be spent by March 2026. Now the plan goes the full council for a vote.

Under the expansion, which would start rolling out in November, curbside collection would change from an opt-in approach, where residents register through the city’s 311 service, to an opt-out program.

But some recycling advocates and at least one trash hauler have pushed back on the plan, claiming the city lacks the capacity to accommoda

See Full Page