Banned. Because Balloons Always End Badly

Balloons released at Conseil International Cross Country Championship in 1988 (photo from Wikimedia) 29 August 2026 This week Allegheny County announced that all balloons and all sky lanterns are now banned in Allegheny County Parks. Their decision includes both balloon releases and balloon decorations because balloons are always left behind — one way or another — when the party’s over. The policy was prompted by balloon litter but there are additional benefits. video embedded from CBS Pittsburgh on YouTube Balloons always end badly. None of them are disposed of by those who release them. Balloons cause: Litter on the ground, stuck in trees, floating in the ocean as much as 10,000 miles away. Harm to livestock who eat spent balloons that became incorporated in hay bales. Harm to wildlife who mistake the balloon for food or get entangled in the strings. Power outages when mylar balloons get caught in wires. The damage does not occur close to the release. Helium balloons travel far…