Is releasing balloons illegal in NJ?

Things to Know: There are only 5 States that passed the Ban on Balloon Release: California, Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. New Milford in Bergen County is the only North Jersey town that has passed such law . Fines range from no less than $100 up to no more than $500.

Is it littering to letting a balloon go?

All balloons that are released into the air eventually return to the Earth as litter . Balloons have the capacity to travel thousands of miles from their release point, enabling them to pollute even the most remote and pristine landscapes. Releasing balloons is more than just a litter problem.

What states is it illegal to release balloons?

CVW Balloon release legislation. Mass release of balloons is illegal in several states and cities, including Virginia. Jurisdictions that have laws in effect dealing with balloon releases include: Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee, New York, Texas, California and Virginia .

How many states have banned balloons?

As the many hazards of intentional balloon releases has become evident, several states have passed legislation to ban or limit this activity. California, Connecticut, Florida, and Tennessee were the first to do so. Within the past few years, Maine, Maryland, and Virginia have followed suit.

Why is letting balloons go bad?

Balloons contribute to our plastic pollution problem . Although balloons only take moments to release, they could take hundreds of years to biodegrade. Over time, these balloon pieces get smaller and smaller and eventually turn into microplastics. Balloons also harm marine life because they're often ingested by animals.

Why can't you let balloons go?

Birds, turtles and other animals commonly mistake balloons for food, which can harm or even kill them . In addition, many animals can become entangled in balloon strings, which can strangle them or hurt their feet and hands.

Why are balloons not allowed?

Ron DeSantis. "Florida made the right call today in banning intentional balloon releases. Balloons are one of the deadliest forms of plastic pollution for ocean wildlife ,” Oceana Field Campaigns Manager Hunter Miller said in a press release.

Is it OK to release balloons?

Balloons are great at birthdays, weddings, graduations and more, but once they get loose, balloons can pose a threat to many animals. Birds, turtles and other animals commonly mistake balloons for food, which can harm or even kill them.

Is nitrous illegal in NJ?

The buyer shall state the intended use of the nitrous oxide on the permit. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 1 and 2 of this act, 1 no person shall sell, distribute or dispense nitrous oxide to any person under 19 years of age . 1 N.J.S.A. §§ 24:6G-1 and 24:6G-2.

What law is letting go of a balloon?

The air trapped inside the balloon pushes out the open end, causing the balloon to move forward. The force of the air escaping is the "action"; the movement of the balloon forward is the "reaction" predicted by Newton's Third Law of Motion .

Why are balloon releases banned?

Ocean Conservancy has worked with Florida legislators for years to prohibit balloon releases because of the harm they pose to marine animals .

N.J. bill sets hefty fine for intentionally releasing, tethering balloons (2024)

The bill prohibits the intentional release ofballoons inflated with lighter-than-air gases and intentionally leaving tethered balloons unattended.

Justin Auciello

July 11, 2020

Planning on releasing or tethering a balloon in New Jersey? If one bill becomes law, that could cost you.

A measure introduced in late June in the state Assembly prohibits the intentional release of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gases and other floating devices and intentionally leaving tethered balloons unattended.

The bill cites balloons, sky lanterns, and similar floating devices as a danger to wildlife and marine animals who mistake them as food or become entangled in the string.

Atlantic City, Bradley Beach, Brigantine, Cape May, and other Jersey Shore municipalities have already banned the release of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gases. But the legislation notes that a statewide approach “is the most effective means to significantly reduce the debris from these devices and the environmental harm and safety risks the debris causes.”

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The bill exempts the intentional release or tethering of balloons used for scientific purposes, as well as hot air balloons and parade balloons.

Violators would face a penalty of $1,000 for each offense of intentionally releasing a balloon and $2,000 for each offense of tethering a balloon or other floating device.

Environmentalists said the ban will help reduce trash and better protect marine life in New Jersey, where the advocacy group Clean Ocean Action reported asharp increasein balloons collected during beach sweeps in 2018.

Balloons Blow, an organization that advocates for prohibiting balloon releases, says several jurisdictions in the country have similar laws banning the activity.

The organization provides a variety of alternativeshere.