Releasing balloons into the environment is littering and is illegal in Tasmania. Released balloons eventually end up polluting our environment. Animals, such as seabirds and turtles, mistake balloons for food, and if ingested or entangled, they can harm the animal.
Under the Tasmanian Litter Act 2007, penalties exist for littering a small item such as a balloon (which can end up on the ground or in the water). Mass releases of balloons may attract hefty fines.
If you witness littering in the form of a mass balloon release, take photos and record details of the event, and you can report this to the EPA on 1300 135 513 or online in the
Litter Reporting System. More information can be found on the
EPA website.
Alternatives to releasing balloons for your celebration include: blowing bubbles, painting stones, lighting candles, throwing natural confetti (flower petals), making pinwheels, or planting a tree.
