Lake Charles, Louisiana - The City of Lake Charles has announced changes to trash, recycling, and city services for the 2026 Mardi Gras holiday. City offices and select services will close on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, with some garbage routes delayed by one day.
City officials stated that Lake Charles will observe Mardi Gras on Tuesday, Feb. 17. As part of that observance, there will be no trash or garbage pickup in the city on that day.
Trash And Garbage Pickup Changes
Residential customers whose trash is normally collected on Tuesdays will see a temporary shift.
- No trash or garbage collection will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
- Tuesday routes will be picked up on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
- Monday, Thursday, and Friday routes will run on their normal schedules with no changes.
Residents are urged to plan ahead, especially those on Tuesday routes who may generate additional household waste during Mardi Gras gatherings and celebrations.
Recycling Stations To Close For One Day
Recycling operations in Lake Charles will also pause for the Mardi Gras holiday.
According to the city, all recycling stations will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 17, including:
- The Team Green Recycling Truck
- The Incinerator and related recycling services
All recycling locations are scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, Feb. 18, and resume regular operations.
Collection Reminders For Residents
City officials are reminding residents to follow standard set-out rules for garbage and trash collection to help crews move efficiently once service resumes.
Collection guidelines include:
- Place containers at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day, or set them out the evening before.
- Remove containers from the curb no later than 7 p.m. on collection day.
- Residents are responsible for cleaning up any spillage that may occur during collection.
These rules apply throughout the week, including the shifted Wednesday pickup for Tuesday routes after the holiday.
City Hall And Public Works Closures
In addition to changes to trash and recycling, City Hall and all Department of Public Works services will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Closed services will include:
- Lake Charles City Hall
- All Department of Public Works operations
City Hall and Public Works are expected to resume regular hours on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
Residents with non-emergency business involving city departments are encouraged to complete it before the holiday or plan to visit or call on or after Feb. 18.
What Lake Charles Residents Should Do Now
To avoid missed pickups and overflowing containers, Lake Charles residents should:
- Check their regular collection day and note any changes if they are on a Tuesday route.
- Set out trash containers properly before 7 a.m. on the revised collection day.
- Hold recycling until stations reopen on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
- Plan city business, such as bill payments or in-person inquiries, around the Feb. 17 closure of City Hall and Public Works.
The Mardi Gras holiday adjustment is limited to the one day, and all services are set to return to normal the following Wednesday.