Stop the release of balloons and sky lanterns urges Aberdeenshire Council
Aberdeenshire Council is encouraging residents to stop releasing balloons or sky lanterns in light of the severe risks they pose to animals, habitats and communities.
The council has completed a review of its policy on ‘Intentional Balloon and Sky Lantern Releases’ and is stressing that such activities are banned on all council-owned land and property, as well as at any events supported by the council, regardless of location.
Councillors on the authority’s Infrastructure Services Committee recently heard that there is growing evidence which highlights the severe risks these releases pose, particularly to livestock, wild animals and sealife.
While Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 makes it an offence to drop or leave litter, enforcing this legislation becomes extremely difficult with balloon or lantern releases since the items are rarely found near the release site.
Despite these challenges, Aberdeenshire Council is committed to upholding its duty to keep public spaces free of litter. By introducing this proactive policy, the council is addressing the issue before the harm occurs, ensuring that council land – and the wider environment – are better protected.
Fiona Banks, Aberdeenshire Ranger Service co-ordinator, explains: “When balloons and sky lanterns descend, they can become deadly hazards, with whole balloons, fragments, ribbons and wooden or metal pieces being easily ingested by animals or causing entanglement and entrapment. Livestock, pets and wild animals – on land and at sea – are all at risk. Sky lanterns also pose additional dangers.
"Carried by unpredictable winds, their naked flames can cause wildfires and cause damage to farm buildings and even businesses. They have also been known to trigger false emergency call-outs, diverting vital search-and-rescue resources.
“The council’s policy aims not only to stop these harmful releases but to educate residents, event organisers and visitors about the significant negative impacts these actions have. We will also promote responsible and creative alternatives for celebrations and memorials – options which honour moments without harming the environment.”
Cllr Alan Turner, chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, added: “The release of balloons or sky lanterns may seem harmless or symbolic, but once they are in the air, you lose all control and the consequences can be devastating. Given that any one of these individual incidents has the potential to cause significant disruption, loss of property and risk to human and animal life, we concluded that the fire risk associated with the use of sky lanterns is significant.
"Bits of sky lanterns and balloons when they break up can cause also a choking hazard for livestock when they land in grazing fields or grass which is subsequently used for animal feed.
“We also recognise that there may be a significant level of under reporting at present and that the true impacts may be higher. Our policy reinforces Aberdeenshire Council’s commitment to protecting the region’s landscapes, wildlife and communities. By banning intentional balloon and sky lantern releases from our land and grounds, we are taking an important step toward a cleaner, safer and more sustainable future for all and would strongly encourage others to follow suit.”
The policy can be viewed at https://publications.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/council-policies?Page=1