Releasing balloons into the environment is littering and is illegal in Victoria.
Wildlife can be harmed or killed by balloons and their attachments. They can become entangled or ingest balloon litter.
Balloons floating in the water can look like squid or jellyfish. Marine mammals, sea birds and turtles often mistake them for food. Seals and other animals can get tangled in balloon ribbons.
Visit Zoos Victoria for more information and how you can take action.
Sustainability Victoria has more information about preventing pollution from balloons.
Find out about penalties for releasing balloons at Environment Protection Authority's website.
What you can do
Choose an alternative to balloons, such as:
- bubbles
- flowers
- reusable bunting
- paper decorations
- planting a tree.
Avoid using balloons outdoors. If this is unavoidable, make sure the balloons are well secured while in use. When finished with the balloon, deflate and dispose of all items, including balloon clips and ribbons, in the rubbish bin.
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