TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Aquarium is hosting its annual bead collection, where Gasparilla beads will be recycled.

While the beaded necklaces are very important during the parade, officials with the aquarium are making sure they end up in the right place afterwards.

Those who drop off beads can get up to 50% off for general admission tickets.

Once Gasparilla is over, you can drop off your beads at the aquarium until Feb. 16.

The city of Tampa is reminding people that throwing beads and other litter in the bay is prohibited. Beads and other non-biodegradable items are incredibly harmful to the environment and they pose serious threats to marine wildlife. The city of Tampa is raising environmental awareness with their campaign, #beadfreebay.