How we support local authorities in tackling the rise in nitrous oxide canisters in waste
Nitrous oxide canisters abandoned on pavements, in parks or found in trash: this phenomenon has grown significantly in recent years.
For local authorities, this situation presents a new challenge: how to manage this specific type of waste, ensure the safety of facilities, and guarantee the continuity of public services.
Key points
- The number of nitrous oxide canisters in waste is rising sharply
- These containers pose a risk to waste management infrastructures
- Nearly two-thirds of energy recovery facilities in France experienced incidents in 2025
- In 2025, the sector estimated the additional costs at between 35 and 40 million euros per year
- Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that emits nearly 300 times more heat than CO₂
- An effective response relies on coordinated action by all stakeholders, from prevention to a better understanding of waste streams and appropriate treatment solutions
Why nitrous oxide canisters pose a problem in waste treatment
Nitrous oxide is used in professional contexts, particularly in the medical, food and industrial sectors. However, its misuse as "laughing gas" has risen sharply in recent years. When disposed of via standard waste streams or abandoned in public spaces, these canisters may still contain pressurised gas and pose risks to waste treatment facilities. When collected with trash, they are sent to sorting plants or energy recovery plants.
The presence of this prohibited waste at these facilities poses multiple risks:
- explosions in the furnaces at energy recovery facilities
- fires in sorting equipments
- damage to facilities
The impact of nitrous oxide canisters on operators and local authorities
These incidents have a direct impact on the operation of the facilities and on the public waste management service.
They can lead to unplanned shutdowns, major maintenance operations and losses in energy production.
For local authorities and operators, this results in:
- compromised service continuity
- additional costs
- greater complexity in waste management
The situation has escalated: in 2025, nearly two-thirds of energy recovery facilities in France experienced explosions linked to these canisters. In 2025, the industry estimates the additional costs to the sector at between 35 and 40 million euros per year.
Nitrous oxide: a collective response in the Vaucluse
We have launched a regional pilot scheme with the Vaucluse Prefecture, bringing together around forty local stakeholders: local authorities, government departments, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, associations and industrial partners. Collective action and complementary measures enable us to address all the key issues: public safety, health, the environment and facility performance.
1. Understanding the uses of nitrous oxide to take proactive action
The first step is to gain a clear understanding of the phenomenon. Firstly, by understanding the behaviours that give rise to this waste. LyRE, our research centre, has therefore carried out field studies based on interviews with consumers and local stakeholders, such as law enforcement agencies, shopkeepers and social services. This research has provided a better understanding of the consumption contexts, and the places and times when this waste is generated. It provides valuable insights for tailoring and targeting prevention messages and developing more effective initiatives, in line with local realities.
2. Mapping the phenomenon of nitrous oxide canisters to better target initiatives
We have deployed an artificial intelligence solution, Qualiwaste, to identify the presence of nitrous oxide canisters in waste collection streams using devices fitted to refuse lorries. This data enables us to map the areas most affected and track trends over time. For local authorities, this insight is essential. It enables them to target awareness-raising initiatives more effectively, prioritise interventions and objectively assess a phenomenon that is sometimes difficult to measure.
3. Treatment of nitrous oxide canisters: safety and recovery
The management of canisters once they have been collected is another major challenge. As part of the trial conducted in the Vaucluse, we have rolled out an industrial pilot scheme for the treatment and processing of these containers in a safe manner.
This technology, developed by the company Medclair, extracts the residual gas contained in the canisters by breaking it down into two gases naturally present in the air: dinitrogen and dioxygen. This process thus neutralises the warming impact of nitrous oxide when it is released into the atmosphere without treatment. The canisters can then be directed to appropriate recycling streams. The aim is to validate the conditions for rolling out these solutions on a larger scale.
4. Nitrous oxide: towards sustainable management at regional level
Nitrous oxide canisters represent a new waste stream that requires a rapid, comprehensive and tailored response.
Developing sustainable solutions will require the involvement of all stakeholders. Local pilot schemes are now making it possible to gradually develop tailored and replicable solutions.
In this context, one simple rule must be emphasised: nitrous oxide canisters must not be disposed of in household waste or left in public places.
Our commitment to local authorities
At SUEZ, we will continue to support local authorities throughout the entire value chain, from regional assessments to the implementation of tailored waste collection and treatment solutions.
Our aim is to help shape a collective, sustainable response tailored to the realities of each region and to pave the way for an industrial sector dedicated to the treatment of nitrous oxide.
