Warwickshire-wide nitrous oxide canister amnesty
People will be able to drop off household quantities of the canisters at four Household Waste Recycling Centres in the county completely free of charge and without challenge.
A county-wide amnesty is starting in Warwickshire for the safe disposal of nitrous oxide canisters.
The project allows people to drop off household quantities of the canisters at four participating Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) completely free of charge and without challenge.
Nitrous oxide canisters, which contain what's commonly known as laughing gas, are increasingly being found discarded in parks, grass verges, and public spaces in the county. Beyond acting as an environmental blight, these discarded items pose a hazard as if they are placed in standard household waste or recycling bins, the canisters – which can remain highly pressurised even when they appear empty – create severe operational and safety risks for staff at waste treatment facilities.
The council say the new amnesty provides a safe, lawful, and accessible route for residents to dispose of the canisters responsibly.
​Cllr Darren Cheshire, Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for Environment, Heritage and Culture, said: "Discarded nitrous oxide canisters are a growing issue in our parks and public spaces, and they present a very real danger to our waste facility staff if thrown into standard household bins.
“This amnesty scheme is a practical, positive solution. We are providing a safe, no-questions-asked disposal route to help protect our communities, our staff, and our waste infrastructure. I strongly urge residents to use this free service, keep these hazardous items out of our environment, and ensure they can be safely processed for metal recovery."
The amnesty service is available at the following sites:
- Princes Drive, Leamington
- Lower House Farm, Atherstone
- Hunters Lane, Rugby
- Burton Farm, Stratford