East Brunswick Bans Balloon Releases, Cites Danger To Wildlife, Waterways

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The Township Council voted Monday to ban the intentional release of balloons, making East Brunswick among the latest New Jersey municipalities to crack down on a practice that environmental advocates say poses a serious threat to wildlife.

The measure, Ordinance 26-19, amends Chapter 150 of the township code to prohibit any person, business or corporation from intentionally releasing balloons — latex, mylar or helium — within township limits. Violations carry a fine of up to $500. The ordinance takes effect 20 days after final passage and publication.

The ban includes three exceptions: balloons released by or on behalf of a government agency for scientific or meteorological purposes, hot air balloons recovered after launch, and balloons released indoors.

The ordinance was championed by the East Brunswick Environmental Commission and its sustainability task force, whose members addressed the council Monday night.

"When people release balloons during celebrations or memorials, it feels meaningful at the moment, and then they forget about it," said Liti Haramaty, a task force member.

"But the balloons don't disappear. They come back — sometimes miles away — littering open spaces, waterways and neighborhoods."

Haramati said the materials used to make balloons, whether latex or mylar, take years to break down and pose a direct danger to animals. "Birds, turtles and other wildlife can ingest fragments or become entangled in the string, which often leads to fatal consequences," she said.

Holly Sarami, also of the sustainability task force, praised the council for its leadership.

"This ordinance acknowledges that balloon releases are more than just symbolic gestures — they cause real environmental harm," Sarami said. "By prohibiting these releases, East Brunswick is taking a proactive step to protect our environment, our wildlife and our community."

Don Rosenberg, a 44-year East Brunswick resident and fisherman who lives near the Raritan Bay, cited data from the Ocean Conservancy in urging the council to act.

"More than 11 million metric tons of plastics enter our ocean every single year," Rosenberg said. "Nearly 1,300 marine species have been documented with plastics in their bodies."

Council voted unanimously on the ordinance.

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