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Several major waste management companies have reported that nitrous oxide canisters—commonly known as laughing gas—are frequently exploding at waste facilities, posing serious hazards to employees. These metal canisters, used illegally for recreational purposes, are often disposed of with ordinary household trash, leading to extensive damage at energy-from-waste plants. The explosions have become so frequent that they result in costly repairs and interruptions to plant operations.
The problem arises because the canisters contain nitrous oxide under high pressure, making them prone to bursting when crushed or exposed to heat. This can severely damage furnaces at energy recovery centers, where waste is incinerated to generate power. The damage from these explosions often forces plants to shut down unexpectedly to carry out repairs, creating operational disruptions and safety concerns for workers. Nicola Henshaw, Veolia’s managing director for hazardous waste, revealed that their facility in southeast London has experienced 2,300 such explosions so far in 2025, while another site in Newhaven recorded 200.
Authorities warn that disposing of canisters illegally is against the law, and local councils have the authority to enforce penalties against offenders. The Environmental Services Association (ESA) highlights a worrying trend of larger canisters—holding up to 700 grams of nitrous oxide—being discarded, which resemble “ticking time bombs” when they enter recycling and waste plants. John Scanlon, ESA chair and UK executive vice president of the Suez Group, advocates for licensing restrictions that would limit sales to commercial businesses with legitimate needs, effectively banning public sales. The association also calls for stricter law enforcement to ensure retailers conduct proper checks before selling such products.
Beyond environmental and workplace hazards, there are also increased concerns regarding the safety of motorists impaired by laughing gas. Det Sgt Chris Wade of Kent Police notes that incidents involving drivers under the influence of nitrous oxide have become “fairly commonplace,” including reports of erratic driving and collisions where evidence of nitrous oxide use is found. Meanwhile, individuals like Zeshan, who struggles with addiction and is supported by a charity, describe the drug’s harmful effects on physical and mental health, noting symptoms such as numbness, brain fog, and weakness. Authorities also emphasize ongoing efforts to tackle anti-social behavior and reduce the health risks associated with nitrous oxide abuse following its legal ban for personal use
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