A fresh year is here, and South Texans are gearing up for sparkling decorations, countdown parties, fireworks shows, and celebrations with family and friends. But with all that festivity comes a not-so-festive problem: litter. From confetti and party poppers to leftover food packaging and single-use champagne flutes, New Year’s celebrations can generate tons of waste—much of which washes into storm drains and ends up in our local creeks and the San Antonio River.
The good news? You can still celebrate in style while keeping our waterways beautiful. Read on for simple ways to reduce your impact and make this New Year your cleanest one yet!
5 Ways to Reduce Litter During New Year’s Celebrations
- Dispose of trash properly—and pick up any litter you see. It’s the #1 most effective thing you can do to protect your river! Make sure every wrapper, cup, and sparkly thing ends up where it belongs. Also dispose of any firework debris including spent shells, cardboard tubes, plastic heads, and rocket sticks.
- Don’t leave party gear behind. Take home your noisemakers, hats, and glow sticks instead of leaving them on sidewalks or in parks. Choose items you can reuse for future celebrations.
- Skip plastic confetti and glitter. Many New Year’s party poppers are filled with plastic bits that can wash into creeks and harm wildlife. Try biodegradable confetti or create fun alternatives using paper or even birdseed for outdoor celebrations.
- Secure your décor. Tie down tents, banners, balloon weights, and outdoor decorations to prevent them from blowing away and becoming litter—especially on windy New Year’s Eve nights.
- Bring a reusable cup or bottle. Whether you’re out at a public event or hosting a house party, reusable drinkware reduces waste and keeps your beverage colder longer.
Plastic confetti can take hundreds of years to break down—what starts as a moment of fun can leave a lasting mark long after the clock strikes midnight.
Celebrate with Purpose: Keep Our River Clean!
Litter is Ugly—and during New Year’s, it truly shows. While the countdown, fireworks, and celebrations bring us together, they also remind us how important it is to protect our local environment as we welcome the year ahead. That’s why the San Antonio River Authority is ramping up outreach efforts with our bold and direct message: Litter is Ugly—don’t let it ruin our river.
From digital signs lighting up Downtown San Antonio to community engagement across social media, we’re encouraging everyone to celebrate joyfully and responsibly. New Year’s is more than a holiday—it’s the perfect moment to set a meaningful resolution: keeping our river clean for generations to come.
Want to keep the momentum going into the New Year? Here are 4 more ways to help our creeks and rivers:
Volunteer with Us! Sign up for the River Warrior Volunteer Program.
Join the Conversation. Share your thoughts online using our Litter Toolkit.
Educate Others. Teachers can download free lesson plans to inspire stewardship in the classroom.
Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Properly. Attend free HHW collection events in Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties. Bexar County residents can drop-off at a center or request a HHW pick-up.
Photo Credit: Luis Enrique Martinez – 2025 River Clicks Contest
As you prepare for New Year’s festivities, take a moment to check your local county restrictions—especially burn bans—before lighting fireworks, fire pits, or outdoor flames. In Texas, burn bans are set locally due to drought conditions and can vary by county.
To check current bans, visit the Texas A&M Forest Service’s live map at tfsweb.tamu.edu/TexasBurnBans for county-by-county status, and always confirm details on your county’s official Fire Marshal or county website (such as Bexar or Travis County) for the most accurate, up-to-date rules. Staying informed helps keep everyone safe while you celebrate.
As you clink glasses, watch fireworks sparkle across the sky, and embrace new beginnings, remember: Litter is Ugly—have fun, stay mindful, and let’s protect our river together.
