Latex balloons are also completely biodegradable! At a molecular level, rubber is a straight chain polymer with unstable double bonds that make it susceptible to degradation. A latex balloon’s molecular structure begins breaking down with inflation and accelerates when exposed to sunlight, soil, and the atmosphere. Scientific research demonstrates that latex balloons decompose at a rate equal to, or faster than, an oak leaf under similar conditions. This means you can put latex balloons into your compost bin.