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Trash, Power, and Equity: What the French Quarter Sanitation Dispute Reveals About New Orleans

A recent disagreement between the New Orleans City Council and Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration has sparked confusion and concern about who will be responsible for trash collection in the French Quarter this August. Beyond the legal back-and-forth, the situation raises broader questions about how city contracts are handled and how decisions made at City Hall affect everyday residents and businesses.

What’s Happening?
On April 16, 2024, Mayor Cantrell announced that the City would end its emergency sanitation contract with IV Waste on July 30. In its place, Henry Consulting, LLC, is slated to take over sanitation services for the French Quarter and Downtown Development District beginning August 1.
However, the City Council has publicly stated that Henry Consulting does not currently hold a valid contract to take over those services.
Here’s why: According to Section 70-10 of the New Orleans City Code, any city contract over $1 million requires approval from the City Council President. While Henry Consulting won the bid to provide sanitation services, the Council did not approve the contract, and a legal dispute followed.
A judge ordered the Council to approve the contract, but the Council filed what’s known as a “suspensive appeal.” This type of appeal pauses the judge’s ruling while a higher court decides whether to take the case. Until that legal process plays out, the Council argues that the contract with Henry Consulting is not legally in effect.
The Stakes for the French Quarter
This legal disagreement comes when many French Quarter residents and businesses say they’ve seen improvement in trash collection under IV Waste, which took over the contract on an emergency basis in December 2024. District C Councilmember Freddie King stated that changing contractors now could interrupt services just as the area prepares for summer tourism events. 
In contrast, Henry Consulting has maintained that its contract was properly awarded through the city’s procurement process, and that it's ready to take over in August.
Why This Matters
While it might seem like a dispute about garbage trucks, the situation touches on larger issues of governance, accountability, and equity in city decision-making:
  • Legal Process Matters: The City Council argues that skipping the proper approval process undermines existing city laws. Whether or not the contract was “properly awarded” depends on the bid process and whether legal steps like Council approval are respected.
  • Public Trust is at Stake: When different parts of the city government disagree publicly, especially about basic services, it can affect public confidence. Residents want consistent, reliable services, but they also want to trust that those services are being chosen and managed transparently.
  • Equity in Decision-Making: Equity isn’t just about outcomes; it’s about how decisions are made. When processes are bypassed or appear politically motivated, it raises concerns about whether similar decisions in less visible neighborhoods would receive the same attention or consideration. This moment serves as a reminder of how critical transparency and fairness are in maintaining equity across the city.
What Happens Next?
The City Council’s appeal is under review by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal. If the court accepts the case, it could take weeks or months before a final decision is made. There is a chance that the case could go to the Louisiana Supreme Court.
In the meantime, IV Waste is expected to continue service through July. Whether Henry Consulting will be legally allowed to take over in August depends on how the courts rule and whether any compromise is reached between the administration and the Council.
A Final Note
This situation is a real-time example of how local government, public services, and legal frameworks intersect. While the outcome remains to be seen, it highlights the importance of clear processes, open communication, and the public’s role in holding officials accountable, all vital elements in building a more equitable and effective city government.

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Location: New Orleans, LA, USA

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