TRENTON, NJ – Imagine you’re at the boardwalk and your child is holding a balloon. The wind grabs the balloon, and the child lets go. If Trenton lawmakers have their way, you could be charged with a fine and even be sentenced to community service, depending on the interpretation of the law.
While the bill focuses on mass balloon releases, the new law does not differentiate between accidental and intentional balloon loss.
New legislation aims to ban the planned release of balloons outdoors in New Jersey, citing significant environmental risks and harm to wildlife and marine animals. This decision is grounded in evidence, including a 2016 Marine Policy journal study that identifies balloons as a major threat to oceanic life, ranking third among the deadliest ocean trash items. The state has witnessed volunteers collect over 70,000 balloons from its beaches during Clean Ocean Action’s biannual Beach Sweeps over two decades, underscoring the gravity of the issue.
The proposed bill specifically targets organized events involving the release of balloons or other floating devices, exempting those released for scientific, meteorological purposes or hot air balloons that are recovered post-launch. Violators face penalties equivalent to those for littering, including monetary fines between $100 and $500 and mandatory community service. Retailers must inform potential purchasers of these prohibitions and penalties through conspicuous signage, with non-compliance attracting a $500 fine per offense.
Furthermore, the bill seeks to establish a uniform statewide policy by superseding any local ordinances regarding balloon releases, ensuring consistency across New Jersey.