| Policy Title | Balloon Policy |
|---|---|
| Responsible Office | Division of Communications and Marketing |
| Policy Type | Facilities and Property |
| Policy Number | 421 |
| Last Revision Date | 10/1/2024 |
Policy Statement
This policy applies to all students, employees, campus guests or organizations on Binghamton University owned, leased, or operated property.
Binghamton University prohibits helium-filled balloons/balloon releases or balloon celebrations:
- On all University-owned, leased or operated property, as well as
- By any student, employee, campus guest or organization on Binghamton University property
Binghamton University also prohibits the use of all funds for any and all balloon purchases.
Reason for Policy/Background:
Balloons are single-use plastics are used once and then discarded. They often end up in landfills or the natural environment, where they can persist for hundreds of years. They break down into smaller particles called microplastics which contaminate soil and waterways. The State of New York and SUNY have committed to eliminate the use of single-use plastics. The policy ensure that the campus is in compliance with SUNY Policy 5201: Elimination of Single Use Plastics and Preference for Durable and Reusable Alternatives (https://www.suny.edu/sunypp/documents.cfm?doc_id=925)
In addition, the release into the atmosphere of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gases poses a danger and nuisance for the environment when balloons become entangled in trees and power lines or land on the ground or in waters, often far from campus. In addition, balloons pose a danger to indoor building infrastructure (lights, ceiling fans, smoke alarms, etc.). Invariably with released balloons (helium or non-helium filled, the fallout constitutes litter, disposal of which is almost always an act made illegal by state and local governments and can also violate private property rights.
This policy ensures that Binghamton University does not support nor should be held legally responsible for the acts of those affiliated with any balloons by sending a clear message that any type of balloon release is prohibited on campus.
Exclusions to this policy include:
- A balloon that is released for scientific, meteorological, or research purposes by or on behalf of an educational, New York State or federal agency, or contract with such entity.
- A hot air balloon this is recovered after launch.
- Balloons used in provost approved art installations and performances.
- Balloons used for medical procedures.
| Date | Description | Responsible Party |
| October 1, 2024 | Updated policy to comply with SUNY Policy 5201 | Division of Communications & Marketing |
