Wikipedia Creative Commons License. Nitrous oxide (N2O) whippits used for their euphoric and hallucinatory effect by Dutch youngsters near a secondary school in Utrecht-West, The Netherlands. Datum 3 mei 2017, 15:04:12 Bron Eigen werk Auteur Hansmuller

17 Dec 2025

Nitrous Oxide "laughing gas" canisters causing explosions in waste facilities

Waste facilities are reporting dangerous explosions caused by discarded nitrous oxide canisters, also known as “laughing gas” chargers.

Similar incidents have been documented in the UK, Australia, Canada and across Europe, where improper disposal of these high‑pressure cylinders has damaged equipment and endangered workers.

According to HazMatMag.com, the high‑pressure cylinders, commonly sold as whipped cream chargers but now linked to recreational use as an intoxicant, are being improperly dumped into municipal garbage, where they trigger hazardous explosions that endanger workers and damage vital processing equipment.

The site writes: "Although N2O is often referred to as 'laughing gas,' the hazard statement on its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) clearly warns: 'Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated.' While heating is one catalyst, the percussive shock of compaction serves the same function by breaching the containment vessel."

According to the CBC and several other Canadian media outlets, officials in Metro Vancouver are currently warning residents about the improper disposal of nitrous oxide canisters after a series of explosions at regional waste facilities. The canisters, often sold as whipped cream chargers but increasingly used recreationally, have been turning up in garbage loads and detonating under high heat at the Burnaby waste‑to‑energy plant.

Paul Henderson, Metro Vancouver’s general manager of solid waste services, said the explosions pose serious risks to workers and have damaged equipment.

“We’re seeing damage to the facility that results in productivity loss, but the primary concern is health and safety,” Henderson told reporters.