Carnival 'trash force' promises to keep French Quarter clean

A "trash force" will work overtime during Carnival to keep the French Quarter clean.

SDT Waste and Debris Services, the city's new contractor for sanitation pickup in the French Quarter and downtown, announced the plan today, four days before the first big weekend of Carnival.

Carnival ends with Fat Tuesday Feb. 20.

The company's sanitation contract with the city began Jan. 1.

"Our trash force will be mobilized at the corner of Canal and Bourbon streets after each parade and will begin cleaning up Canal Street first," SDT owner Sidney Torres said.

"Then at 4 a.m. each day, our crew will begin cleaning up Bourbon Street and interior French Quarter streets. We are deploying an additional 50 workers for Mardi Gras weekend for a total of 80 personnel dedicated to keeping the Quarter clean."

SDT's contract with the city includes a team of street sweepers who work days and nights picking up trash in the French Quarter.

"SDT is giving French Quarter residents what they paid for and more under our contract with the city of New Orleans. We're committed to keeping the streets clean throughout the Carnival season so we can all enjoy a pleasant French Quarter during Mardi Gras," Torres said.

SDT said it had the French Quarter clean by 11 a.m. the day after Saturday's Krewe du Vieux parade.

For information on SDT, call 940-2177 or visit www.sdtwasteanddebris.com