East Brunswick Moves To Ban Balloon Releases, Citing Dangers To Wildlife, Environment

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The East Brunswick Township Council plans to introduce an ordinance at Tuesday’s meeting that aims to ban the intentional outdoor release of balloons within township limits, citing threats to wildlife, marine animals , and public safety.

The township’s council meeting, which was scheduled to take place on Monday, has been rescheduled to Tuesday due to the blizzard.

Ordinance 26-19 would amend Chapter 150 of the Township Code — which governs public health nuisances — by adding a new Article VII specifically addressing what it calls the "Intentional Release of Balloons."

Under the proposed law, it would be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to intentionally release balloons — or to organize or cause the release of balloons — anywhere within East Brunswick's boundaries. The ban explicitly covers helium, latex and mylar balloons.

The ordinance frames balloon releases as a public nuisance, stating that such releases "pose a danger and nuisance to the environment, particularly to wildlife and marine animals," and may threaten the safety of residents and their property.

Violators would face a noncriminal infraction with a fine not to exceed $500 per incident.

The ordinance carves out three specific exemptions:

• Balloons released by or on behalf of a governmental agency for scientific or meteorological purposes, such as weather balloons.
• Hot air balloons, provided they are recovered after launching.
• Balloons released indoors.

The ordinance's scheduled public hearing on March 9 will give residents an opportunity to comment before the council votes on final adoption. Full ordinance text is available on the township's website at EastBrunswick.org and on file in the Township Clerk's Office at 1 Jean Walling Civic Center.

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