ENJOY OUR NEW WEBSITE!

Donate

Search...

Get involved

We really can’t do this alone. We’re a charity, which means we rely on the generosity, goodwill and support of the public and partners that we work with.

Find out more

Individuals

Community Groups

Education

Businesses and workplaces

Councils and local authorities

Our work

We take action to make a positive difference and our work ranges far and wide.

We deliver practical action, environmental education, training, business services and environmental solutions across Wales.

Find out more

Litter and waste

Green spaces

Environmental excellence

Young people

Home > Policy and research > Issues > Litter from the air

Litter from the air

Fireworks, balloons and sky lanterns may look appealing, but they cause serious problems. Fireworks can start fires, cause accidents, frighten animals and release toxic pollution. Once released, balloons and sky lanterns can travel long distances and often end up on farmland or in the sea, where they harm or kill livestock and wildlife. Sky lanterns are especially dangerous as they can start fires and are sometimes mistaken for distress flares.

In February 2018, all local authorities in Wales introduced voluntary bans on releasing sky lanterns.

Litter from the air data

We collect data through robust litter surveys using GLÂN (Geospatial Litter Analysis) – our world‑leading methodology for monitoring and analysing litter trends.

These figures show the extent of balloon and firework litter across Wales last year in publicly accessible areas including streets, car parks, parks and green spaces, and designated bathing water beaches.

For all the latest litter survey results, visit our litter data page.

Litter data