COLUMBIA, S.C. — A legislative push is underway in the South Carolina General Assembly to classify intentional balloon releases as littering, a move aimed at protecting the state’s wildlife, agriculture, and tourism industry.
Representative Dennis Moss (District 29, Cherokee County) has introduced the No Balloon Release Bill (H. 3047), aimed at curbing environmental pollution caused by balloon debris. The bill, which was filed during the 2025-2026 legislative session, seeks to treat the intentional release of balloons with the same severity as tossing trash on the roadside.
Under the proposed legislation, violators would face penalties consistent with South Carolina’s existing litter and illegal dumping laws, including fines of up to $1,000 and potential jail time. However, the bill explicitly focuses on accountability for intentional acts rather than punishing accidental releases or children, relying on officer discretion for enforcement.
Protecting Natural Resources
Proponents of the bill argue that balloon litter is more than just an eyesore; it poses a tangible threat to the state’s economy and ecosystem. Debris from balloon releases frequently ends up in rivers, farm fields, and coastal waterways, where it can be ingested by marine life and birds or interfere with agricultural machinery.
“No matter the intent, releasing objects into the environment without recovery is pollution,” said Sarah Lyles, Executive Director of PalmettoPride. “Balloons eventually fall, and when they do, they harm wildlife and communities.”
The bill has garnered the backing of the South Carolina Conservation Coalition, a network of over 40 organizations, including the Carolina Bight Birding Center.
“The Carolina Bight Birding Center recognizes the dangers that balloon litter causes for not only our birds, but multiple other species of animals that call South Carolina home,” said Executive Director Jenn Clementoni.
Growing Momentum
The push for a statewide ban comes as local and regional momentum builds. In December 2025, the City of Beaufort became the first municipality in South Carolina to restrict balloon releases. Additionally, neighboring states including North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Mississippi have already enacted similar restrictions.
The issue has been part of the public consciousness in the Palmetto State for years. In 2018, Clemson University ended a three-decade tradition of releasing thousands of balloons during celebrations due to ecological concerns.
Timing and Next Steps
Advocates say the timing for the bill is critical as the state approaches graduation season and the summer tourism peak—periods historically associated with a high volume of celebratory balloon releases.
Lawmakers and environmental groups are encouraging residents to contact their elected representatives and the House Judiciary Committee to express support for H. 3047. Supporters hope that continued public discussion will secure the bill’s passage before the legislative session concludes.
Key Details of H. 3047
-
Sponsor: Rep. Dennis Moss (District 29)
-
Goal: Classify intentional balloon releases as illegal littering.
-
Penalties: Fines up to $1,000 and possible jail time (under existing litter statutes).
-
Exceptions: Does not apply to accidental releases; enforcement will not target children.
About
PalmettoPride leads statewide efforts that inspire and empower community action, build public
awareness, and support local solutions that reduce litter and care for South Carolina’s
environment. Created as the South Carolina Governor’s Task Force on Litter by the SC General
Assembly in 1997, we became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2001 and were renamed
PalmettoPride, a public-private partnership united by a shared goal: preventing litter by shifting
attitudes, habits, and expectations around waste in South Carolina.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
