New Orleans sanitation contractors hope to take back French Quarter

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Two New Orleans sanitation contractors are ready to get back to work in the French Quarter, but some people, including some city council members, would rather keep the company that’s doing the job now.

IV Waste was hired under an emergency contract in December of 2024 to take over the job for one year.

“I know y’all declared an emergency because we hadn’t resolved our differences,” said Troy Henry, the managing partner for Henry Consulting. “Those differences are no more.”

Henry appeared before the council’s Public Works Committee while seated next to Alvin Richard, the owner of Richard’s Disposal, Henry’s subcontractor.

The two business owners asked that the New Orleans City Council sign the contract that would once again allow them to pick up trash and clean the French Quarter.

“And so, the bottom line is, we’re just asking for an opportunity to give the second string, an opportunity to come in and show you that we can perform as well as the one you have now,” Richard.

Per the emergency contract, IV Waste began servicing the French Quarter on Dec. 23, 2024, working through the Sugar Bowl, the terror attack, the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.

“The product being presented in the French Quarter right now is top notch,” explained Councilman Freddie King. “No one is complaining. It’s an emergency contract set for a year. That year will be up in December. I have no problem moving forward after December.”

The council’s refusal to award Henry the contract in December stemmed from the dispute between him and Richard.

However, Henry says the two reached a solution that met both of their needs and was disappointed to hear the reluctance. 

“We were the successful bidder. We won,” said Henry. “Using any excuse as an opportunity to not have the successful bidder now be able to provide the services is very disappointing and, in my opinion, unfair.”

In response to the meeting, Sidney Torres, the owner of IV Waste, released the following statement:

We will continue to give the service that the residences and businesses have been accustomed to since December 23.

As a resident and business owner in the French Quarter, it is so important that the level of service continues to the levels that IV Waste has been providing. 

We believe the city and council will hear the voices of the businesses and residences that are beyond pleased with the level of services we are providing.

Councilmembers ended up agreeing to bring the issue to the full council for debate.

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