Policy on the release of sky lanterns and balloons
Due to the rural location of Altrincham Crematorium and Dunham Lawn Cemetery, we are aware of our responsibilities to protect the countryside and the farming communities.
We have therefore taken the step to prohibit the release of sky lanterns and balloons in an effort to make the countryside safer for grazing animals and to protect the environment.
This policy details the actions taken by us to implement this decision. It sets out the legislative and other controls which are in place to implement this ban; the hazards associated with such releases.
This policy statement covers all balloon and lantern releases at:
- Altrincham Crematorium
- Dunham Lawn Cemetery
- Hale Cemetery
- Sale Cemetery
- Brooklands Cemetery
- Stretford Cemetery
- Urmston Cemetery
Definitions
Definitions within this policy, the terms:
Release
Release refers to the intentional act of releasing a balloon or lantern into the general environment.
Balloon
Balloon refers to any inflatable flexible bag filled with gas, such as:
- helium
- hydrogen
- nitrous oxide
- oxygen
- hot air
Made from materials such as:
- rubber
- latex
- natural latex
- paper
- polychloroprene
- foil
- mylar
- nylon fabric
This includes all biodegradable balloons.
Sky lantern or Chinese lantern
Sky lantern or Chinese lantern refers to a lantern:
- made of paper or other materials
- held by wire or a bamboo frame
- lifted by heat from a naked flame
Legislative and other controls
Under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 it is an offence to throw down, drop or otherwise deposit, and then leave litter.
We will enforce this Act with the use of various enforcement actions, including fixed penalty notices. We have a responsibility to keep public open spaces free from litter.
To implement this policy decision and ban, we will prohibit the release of sky lanterns and balloons on the above names sites.
Policy actions
All sky lanterns and balloon releases on Crematorium or cemetery land is prohibited.
Environmental consequences of such releases
There have been numerous issues of crops catching fire and livestock choking on the remnants that have landed in surrounding fields.
Through increasing public awareness it is hoped that this may lead to a reduction in releases on other land and property outside of our control.
It is the responsibility of all Crematorium and Cemetery users to comply with and implement this policy. The aim is that the Service, in taking this responsible decision, will raise awareness of the risks to the environment and livestock by using lanterns and balloons.