Are latex balloons biodegradable?

Latex balloons are made from natural rubber, a milky sap tapped from rubber trees. Because the base material comes from a plant, natural latex breaks down over time when exposed to the elements, unlike foil or plastic balloons which do not.

Breakdown is not instant. Sunlight, moisture and microbes do the work, and a balloon buried in a landfill with little air or light degrades far more slowly than one exposed outdoors. Biodegradable does not mean harmless if littered.

The responsible approach is simple. Never release balloons into the open, pop them after events, and put the pieces in the bin. Balloon releases are banned or restricted in many places for good reason.

For businesses, latex remains the practical choice: it is the only balloon material made from a renewable resource, and it is what we manufacture. If your customers ask about disposal, the guidance above is what to share.