Is the Release of Balloons Considered Littering?

Birthday parties, sporting events, and weddings have one major thing in common. They are all excellent venues to let off an enormous amount of helium-filled balloons.

While beautiful and sometimes impressive, it is also illegal in many states and constitutes littering. Many cities and states have laws banning the release of helium-filled balloons including, “California, Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia. Cities that have laws include Ocean City, Maryland; Louisville, Kentucky; Huntsville, Alabama; San Francisco, California; Nantucket, Massachusetts, and Baltimore, Maryland.”
The wording may be different in each state or city as to what they ban, they are similar in meaning and all indicate that the release of balloons into the air may be pollution that harms humans, animals, and the environment.

There are two types of balloons sold today; latex and mylar. Latex balloons are made from, well, latex. Derived from latex rubber collected from rubber trees. Mylar balloons used to be made from a more metallic type substance that could interrupt power if they came in contact with electrical lines.

Today, mylar balloons are “made with mylar nylon, a material developed for use with the US space program. Balloons made from mylar are often coated with a metallic finish and are available in a variety of shapes and imprinted designs.”

“Another claim is that so-called “biodegradable” latex balloons take the same amount of time to decompose as an oak leaf does. This is very misleading; oak leaves are very durable and can take four years to decompose!

Many animals mistake “biodegradable” latex balloons as food, causing intestinal blockage and death. The ribbons or string that is sometimes tied to balloons, whether it is “biodegradable” or not, will last years and can also entangle any animal that comes in contact with it.”

Although releasing balloons at holidays or events can seem beautiful or romantic, the aftermath is actually littering and should be avoided.

For more information on waste removal options visit www.wasteawaygroup.com.

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