The City of Santa Barbara reminds the community that confetti is litter.
The use of confetti at Santa Barbara parades and festivals is increasing, both in the number of events and the volume of confetti. Traditionally, confetti eggs, or cascarones, have been a part of Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days. However, large bags of confetti are now being sold and dumped on sidewalks, streets, and parks.
The increasing use of metallic confetti, sequins, glitter, and silly string at events is concerning as they are all made of plastic. These tiny plastic particles can easily find their way into our storm drains, creeks, and ocean, harming wildlife and polluting our environment.
Help keep Santa Barbara clean and beautiful!
- Please choose paper confetti instead of plastic.
- We discourage the use of metallic confetti, sequins, and glitter.
- We discourage plastic and foam decorations on the exteriors of cascarones.
- Throwing confetti and leaving it behind is littering!
Vendors making cascarones to sell: Please use only paper confetti (or leaves) and avoid adding plastic or foam decorations to the eggs.
Want to help spread the word about confetti litter? Download and share confetti outreach materials.