Balloon litter, did you know?

Community awareness is increasing on the impacts that balloons have on our environment.  In Queensland, the release of balloons either deliberately or by accident into the environment may be considered littering under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011.  While a person may have the permission of the occupier of a place to release a balloon, once the balloon leaves that place it becomes litter.

Balloons are popular for events and ceremonies.  Unfortunately, the law does not differentiate between different types of littered material and whether the waste is biodegradable or not.   Alternatives to balloons for celebrations are available.

Look for alternatives like:

• Bubbles;
• paper tissue pom poms;
• candles, kites or pinwheels;
• flags, banners, streamers or dancing inflatables;
• flowers or planting a tree in memorial.

If the use of balloons is unavoidable:

• keep your balloons indoors to reduce the risk of accidental littering;
• make sure any outdoor balloons are strongly secured;
• choose biodegradable latex (rubber) balloons and natural strings;
• avoid using non-biodegradable mylar balloons (foil-coated);
• ensure all balloons and accessories (like clips and ribbons) end up in the bin.

For more information on balloon litter visit the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection website.

For further information regarding this public notice please contact Council’s Environmental Health Department on 1300 696 272 (1300 MY NBRC) or email Council.