Axios New Orleans
October 01, 2026
1 big thing: 🗑️ More cash for trash
The garbage rate hike goes into effect in New Orleans today, marking the first increase in 15 years.
Why it matters: Leaders say they can no longer afford to subsidize sanitation service from the city's coffers.
The big picture: Residential customers now pay $32.25 per month instead of $24, an increase of $99 per year.
- The fee covers once-weekly garbage and recycling pickup.
- All residents can get a second garbage cart for free by calling 311.
- Low-income residents 65 and older may qualify for a reduced $10 monthly rate.
Catch up quick: Mayor Helena Moreno asked for the rate increase, and the City Council approved it.
- The previous monthly rate hasn't covered the cost of service for years, the administration says.
- The city has spent nearly $70 million since 2022 to cover the difference.
Zoom in: New Orleans' sanitation costs are higher in large part because the city requires its contractors to pay a living wage, Council President JP Morrell says.
- Sanitation workers in New Orleans make at least $16 an hour versus the $7.25 federal minimum wage paid in Baton Rouge, he says.
- "As a city that promotes fair wages for people, we have to put our money where our mouth is," Morrell previously said.
Intrigue: The amount of trash hasn't changed much since the city switched from twice-weekly to once-a-week pickup, sanitation director Matt Torri previously said.
- The second pickup day was always the lighter day, he said.
What we're watching: Officials say they are open to revisiting the mix of services if that's what residents want.
- Curbside recycling costs the city $10 million annually, Morrell says.
- The rates are now tied to the cost of service and will be re-evaluated every other January.
- The city is also working to make sure bills are accurate and everyone pays their fair share.
Go deeper: What Jefferson Parish residents pay
2. 🧛🏻 Our fave Halloween activities
New Orleans doesn't need much encouragement to get spooky, but the city really embraces its supernatural side in October.
🎉 Parades: The Krewe of Krampus kicks things off Saturday with its Swampus walking parade through the French Quarter.
- FYI: The krewe is taking a break this year from its skull scavenger hunt.
- The Krewe of Boo rolls downtown Oct. 24.
🧛🏻 Vampire balls: The city's most famous vampire party is the Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club Ball on Halloween. It's sold out, but you can join the waitlist.
- Carlie was gifted a ticket last year. Here's what she saw.
- Other options include the Endless Night Vampire Ball, the Queen's Labyrinth Halloween Ball and M.O.M.s Halloween Ball.
🧙🏼 Witches brunches: Grab your besties and head to one on a Friday this month. New Orleans Mom blog has a guide.
- Witches Brew Coffee is another whimsical option.
- More into the undead? Swing by The Vampire Cafe for a blood-bag cocktail. Other ways to embrace your inner vampire.
📸 Spooky scenery: The Skeleton House and the French Quarter are solid options.
- Ghost Manor returns to Magazine Street after a year off.
- The Kraken House has moved out of Lakeview. No word on whether the tentacles will pop up elsewhere.
🎉 Halloween parties
- Adults only: City Park's Brews and Boos, Rocky Horror striptease show and Morgus Madness.
- Family friendly: Audubon's Boo at the Zoo, City Park's Ghosts in the Oaks and French Market's Boo Carré.
3. 🔮 Paint forecast
Next year's home paint palette is getting greener and more adventurous.
The big picture: Paint companies Behr, Valspar and Sherwin-Williams recently named their picks for the next big hues in home design.
- Behr chose Grounded, a "mossy olive," as its 2027 color of the year.
- Valsar went with Cottage Door, a comforting gray-blue.
- And Sherwin-Williams chose Celery, a pale green that looks just like, well, the vegetable.
What they're saying: "Homeowners are gravitating toward warmth, color and personality," Kayla Kratz, Behr's senior director of color and design strategy, tells Axios.
- "Grounded reflects where we see home design heading: toward richer, earthier color with character and a sense of ease."
Meanwhile, Sherwin-Williams says the soothing celery shade taps into a growing appetite for wellness spaces.
- Its broader forecast includes bold jewel tones, sunbaked clays, deep blues and nature-inspired neutrals.
Reality check: Neutrals still dominate many American homes, even as paint companies forecast a more colorful future.
- Playing it safe is deeply ingrained: A 2025 survey found 84% of real estate agents recommended painting interiors white, gray or beige before selling.
Yes, but: A 2026 Zillow analysis found sage green walls could add more than $1,000 to offer prices.
Axios New Orleans
