Nitrous oxide cylinders in residual waste are very dangerous

Since January of this year, waste processing company Omrin has seen an increase in the presence of illegal empty nitrous oxide cylinders in residual waste. Omrin is therefore urging residents not to throw the empty cylinders in the waste. This can cause serious safety risks during waste processing. When these cylinders end up in the waste, they can explode under pressure in the garbage trucks or cause damage to processing plants. This is very dangerous for truck drivers and other employees.

It is therefore important to bring empty nitrous oxide cylinders to the environmental street as small chemical waste. Bringing small chemical waste is free of charge. This is possible on Wednesdays and some Saturdays.

The dates are in the Omrin Waste app, download the Waste app for this.

Download the waste app

Or check the Waste Calendar page on our website.

Although nitrous oxide cylinders are illegal, recycling centers are willing to accept them due to the safety risks.

Where can I dispose of empty laughing gas cylinders?

Nitrous oxide cylinders are considered small chemical waste and must therefore be taken to the environmental park. This also applies to other gas cylinders and pressure vessels. Disposing of them incorrectly creates dangerous situations for employees in the waste sector.

In addition, the improper disposal of hazardous waste is punishable under the Environmental Management Act. 

Am I punishable if I take nitrous oxide cylinders to the environmental street?

  • Possession of nitrous oxide is punishable by law. If you are in possession of a nitrous oxide cylinder, it is important not to dispose of it in a way that poses a danger to others. Safely handing it in at the recycling center ensures that it does not pose a hazard.
  • Regarding the nitrous oxide ban, the police will take action when there are indications of criminal offenses related to the possession, trade, import, and export of drugs.
  • As soon as the police observe deviant behavior and there are signals of criminal offenses, the police will act on this, looking at the facts and circumstances.