Nitrous oxide cylinders in residual waste very dangerous

Since January this year, waste management company Omrin has seen an increase in the presence of illegal empty nitrous oxide cylinders in residual waste. Omrin therefore urges residents not to throw the empty cylinders in the garbage. This is because this can create 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 facilities. This is very dangerous for truck drivers and other employees.

Therefore, it is important to bring empty nitrous oxide cylinders to the environmental waste site as small chemical waste. Bringing small chemical waste is free of charge. This can be done on Wednesdays and some Saturdays.

The dates are in Omrin's Afvalapp, download the Afvalapp for that.

Waste app download

Or check the Waste Calendar page on our website.

Although nitrous oxide cylinders are illegal, environmental centers are still willing to take them because of the safety risks.

Where can I leave empty nitrous oxide cylinders?

Nitrous oxide cylinders fall under small chemical waste and must therefore be taken to the environmental street. This also applies to other gas cylinders and pressure containers. Disposing of these incorrectly creates hazardous situations for waste employees.

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

Am I punishable if I bring nitrous oxide cylinders to the environmental site?

  • Possession of nitrous oxide is punishable by law. Are you in possession of nitrous oxide cylinder anyway? Then it is important that you do not dispose of it in a way that poses a danger to another person. Disposing of it safely at the environmental center ensures that it does not pose a danger.
  • Police act in connection with the nitrous oxide ban where there are signs of criminal offenses indicating possession, trafficking, importation and exportation of drugs.
  • Once the police observe deviant behavior and there are signs of criminal acts, the police act accordingly, looking at the facts and circumstances.