Norwaste is currently working on behalf of the Waste and Recycling Agency in Oslo Municipality to develop a solid knowledge base on how to manage nitrous oxide (N₂O) in a waste context. Waste from used nitrous oxide canisters, often used as a recreational drug, has seen a significant increase in the municipality recently. This rise has led to several challenges, including littering and the risk of explosion accidents due to incorrect sorting.
We became aware of the issue of littering from nitrous oxide canisters back in 2022, when we conducted a survey of littering in Oslo Municipality (only in Norwegian)– says Ine Geitung, project manager for the nitrous oxide project at Norwaste.
Explosion risk is increasing at incineration plants
In 2022, the problem was much smaller, with only one canister found per 100 kg of waste in waste composition analyses. However, the issue has escalated significantly since then. In just the past quarter, Oslo Municipality’s incineration plants have experienced over 90 explosions. Nitrous oxide is a compressed gas and poses an explosion risk when exposed to pressure or high heat. These explosions have caused significant damage to facilities, resulting not only in costly repairs but also in unnecessary expenses that the residents of Oslo must bear.
It only takes one gas canister to cause significant damage, both in various waste facilities and in garbage trucks that receive them in their loads. That’s why it is extremely important that these canisters do not end up in waste bins, whether at home or in public spaces. There is a reason they are classified as hazardous waste, and they must be delivered to a recycling station or other approved collection points –says Konrad Palmer, Production Manager at the Waste and Recycling Agency at their website.
Also participating in the project is Toralf Igesund from Norwaste, who has extensive experience monitoring the development of waste management regulations. He expresses concern about the potential spread of the problem if the significant increase continues in other municipalities.
We have observed that the use of nitrous oxide as a recreational drug has spread from major cities in Europe to Oslo. It is likely that the rest of the country will experience the same trend. We hope the report can help inform municipalities and authorities and provide a basis for measures – Toralf Igesund.
The forgotten greenhouse gas
It is important to recognize that nitrous oxide poses not only an explosion risk but also a significant climate threat, with a global warming potential (GWP) 265 times higher than CO2, nitrous oxide has serious climate consequences. Preliminary calculations indicate that just one large nitrous oxide canister can release the equivalent of one ton of CO₂.2-equivalents.
Based on data from submissions to REG (the Waste and Recycling Agency) last year, this would correspond to emissions of 4,000 tons of CO2-equivalents. These emissions account for approximately 8% of the municipality’s total waste and wastewater emissions in 2022. This underscores the seriousness of the issue and the need for swift and effective action to address it.
More stakeholders are getting involved in regulatory measures
Avfall Norge is also engaged in efforts to address the nitrous oxide issue. In 2023, they organized a webinar in collaboration with, among others, Norsk Gjenvinning, which is also facing the same challenge with explosions from nitrous oxide canisters. Avfall Norge has taken the initiative to gather information on the problem and outline the necessary regulations.
In the continued work to establish the knowledge base, Norwaste will collect information on the volumes and costs associated with managing waste from nitrous oxide canisters. It will also be important to compile information from other European countries and cities. This knowledge base will help REG quickly implement measures to prevent damage. An external document will also be prepared, which can be useful for national authorities and other stakeholders.
The report is expected to be completed in June 2024.
