Balloons and The Environment

Balloons are the ultimate party decoration! They are as integral to a party as confetti and flowers are to a wedding. But when the party is over how should we dispose of our balloons responsibly?

There has been some debate and confusion over how to best dispose of balloons, and as to their environmental impact. How to responsibly dispose of your used balloons depends on what they are made of:

Latex Balloons

  • Our Latex Balloons are made from 100% biodegradable latex
  • Latex is a natural product tapped from the rubber tree – Hevea Brasiliensis, a completely natural product. Organic pigments are added to the latex to make hundreds of colours.
  • We source only the highest quality latex balloons ensuring they are not mixed with fillers or added substitutes, some lower quality balloons are mixed with plastics.
  • For more information regarding latex balloons please see PEBA | Latex Balloons

Don't Let Go!

We love balloons but we love the environment more! Pretty Little Party Shop does not support balloon releases and we urge our customers 'Don't let go'. When Balloons are released into the air they will fall into our environment and simply become 'litter'. Although they will eventually decompose, until that time they will litter our beaches and countryside, they will be not only visually offensive but may also cause harm to wildlife and marine life.

  • Latex Balloons will completely decompose over time
  • Please 'Don't Let Go'' of your balloons for them to litter the environment
  • Please cut up your latex balloons into smaller pieces and dispose of them in your household waste where they will decompose in landfill.

Mylar (Metallic/Plastic) Balloons

Mylar balloons are made with a plastic/nylon, synthetic material that is recyclable but it does not biodegrade. They will stay in landfill forever, so ensure to recycle them along with your recyclable plastics.

Re-use before you recycle!

The best alternative to recycling Mylar Balloons is simply to save them to be re-inflated on another occasion. Mylar balloons are fragile so be gentle, insert a straw at least 6-10 inches in length into the hole where it was originally inflated, then press out the remaining helium in order to store the balloons flat ready to re-inflate when you next need them!

  • Mylar Balloons are not Biodegradable
  • Mylar Balloons are recyclable and can be disposed of with your recyclable plastics
  • Please flatten, store and re-use your Mylar Balloons when possible.

Pretty Little Party Shop is a proud member of the Pro Environment Balloon Alliance. PEBA’s  members do not support or condone, nor will they facilitate the deliberate release of balloons. http://www.peba.com.au. Members of PEBA are committed to educating their clients, venue managers and the general public, by all possible means, in the responsible use and disposal of balloons. PIN IT & BIN IT!