Is It Illegal To Release Balloons in New York State?

After a memorial service or a celebration, sometimes balloons will be released into the sky. If you participate in a balloon release, is it illegal in New York State? Not only is it illegal, but it could cost you.

As of 2021, New York passed a law that bans the release of more than 25 balloons within 24 hours. It may sound surprising, but this law is all about protecting the environment and wildlife.

When balloons float away, they eventually deflate and fall back to Earth, often landing in rivers, oceans, and forests. Animals like sea turtles, birds, and other wildlife can mistake the deflated balloons for food or get tangled up in the strings, which can cause serious harm or even death. Balloons, especially the helium-filled ones, are more dangerous than they seem when they end up in nature.

The law targets large balloon releases often done for celebrations or events. If you’re caught releasing more than twenty-five balloons, you could face a fine starting at one hundred dollars which could be higher for repeat offenders.

This isn’t a ban on having balloons at your party, but New York State is encouraging people to think about the long-term effects. It’s all part of a bigger movement to reduce pollution and keep wildlife safe. So, next time you’re celebrating, just make sure your balloons stay grounded! Your party can still be a blast without them floating away and causing environmental damage.