Nitrous Oxide (NOS) Canisters
Although Nitrous Oxide (NOS, balloons, laughing gas) has legitimate uses in catering and medicine, it is a Class C drug, and it is illegal to possess nitrous oxide if it cannot be shown that it is being used legitimately.
Nitrous Oxide is contained in pressurised cylinder canisters.
Environmental and Safety Issues
Empty, discarded Nitrous Oxide canisters are a recycling concern:
When collected with household waste they can explode if crushed, punctured or heated during collection or processing, which can cause damage and fire risk within the collection vehicles and at waste facilities. They are legally classed as hazardous waste and require a separate, specialist treatment and disposal route. For these reasons residents cannot put Nitrous Oxide canisters in any of their household bins used for kerbside collections.
Household recycling centres (Huyton Waste Recycling Centre and Kirkby Waste Reception Centre) can not accept empty canisters from residents.
Reporting discarded nitrous oxide canisters
If you find empty canisters, please do not dispose of them in household bins (recycling or waste). Please report to Knowsley Council using the form below:
Support With Nitrous Oxide Misuse
Nitrous Oxide misuse is also a public health concern.
If you, or somebody you know, would like support with nitrous oxide use, Change Grow Live provide free, confidential support for Knowsley residents. Visit their website or give them a call 0151 482 6291 for more information.