Confetti is Litter

In partnership with Heal the Ocean, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, and Downtown Santa Barbara, the City of Santa Barbara encourages residents and visitors to help protect Santa Barbara's creeks, beaches, ocean, and wildlife by choosing environmentally friendly ways to celebrate.

The City of Santa Barbara reminds residents, businesses, event organizers, and visitors that confetti can harm wildlife, pollute our environment, and create costly cleanup after parades, festivals, and celebrations.

Adopted by City Council in 2026, the City's udpated Single-Use Materials Ordinance (§ 9.165.100) prohibits the sale, distribution, and use of plastic, foil, metallized, and Mylar confetti in the City of Santa Barbara. These materials are made from plastic, are not biodegradable, and contribute to microplastic pollution.

Celebrate Responsibly

• Use paper confetti only.
• Use confetti sparingly.
• Clean up confetti after your celebration whenever possible.
• Never throw confetti into storm drains, creeks, or waterways.
• Avoid glitter, sequins, and other plastic decorations.

Are you a vendor making cascarones to sell?

Please only use paper confetti (or leaves!), and do not add plastic or foam decorations on the outside of the eggs.
Selling Cascarones
La venta cascarones

Want to help spread the word about confetti litter?

Download and share confetti outreach materials.