Nitrous Oxide Cylinders Disposal in Waste Management Systems
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Background
Nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly known as "laughing gas," is a compressed gas used in medical, dental, food processing, and industrial applications. This gas is also sold for domestic use.
An increase in cases of improper disposal of nitrous oxide cylinders has been observed. Cylinders are found in municipal waste management systems instead of being disposed following the hazardous waste disposal guidance. Explosions have been linked to those improper discarded cylinders. Those explosions can cause fire, could present serious risks of injury to employees and the public, and results in equipment damage.
Hazards
The pressurized cylinders used to store nitrous oxide can pose significant physical hazard if not handled or disposed of properly. Empty cylinder can contain residual gas. When exposed to crushing, shredding, compacting, incineration, or excessive heat, cylinders may rupture, explode, or become dangerous projectiles.
Nitrous oxide is an oxidizer and can cause or intensify combustion. This gas can also react if in contact with oil, grease or combustible products.
In addition, exposure to nitrous oxide can result in serious health effects, including oxygen deprivation, loss of consciousness, neurological injury, and, in severe cases, death.
Eliminating and Controlling the Hazards
Hazards related to the use, handling and disposal of nitrous oxide cylinders should be identified and managed to reduce the risk of injury or illness.
In federally regulated workplaces, employers are required to identify and assess hazards and implement preventive measures in accordance with applicable occupational health and safety legislation, including the Canada Labour Code, Part II, and Parts X and XIX of the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR).
Preventives measures should first aim to eliminate hazards if possible.
When this is not possible, the employer should try to reduce the hazard, including isolating it, such as equipment guards.
The last option is to provide a combination of measures, safe work practices, training, inspections, awareness and education initiatives on the hazards of nitrous oxide inhalation, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can be used to reduce exposition to the risk.
Contact Us
For further information please contact ESDC Labour Program office nearest you or visit our website.
Reports of occurrences and incidents can be shared with Health Canada at toxicovigilance@hc-sc.gc.ca.
References
- Health Canada. Situational Awareness and Information Exchange: Nitrous Oxide Cylinders in Waste Management - Worker and Public Safety Concerns, June 17, 2026.
- Health Canada. (2025). Health Canada warns consumers not to inhale nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, recreationally.
- CCOHS: Waste Anesthetic Gases, Hazards of
Hazard Alerts are messages, notices, or warnings for employees, employers, and Canadians in general. They provide information about the risks associated with, for example, the handling of hazardous substances, the presence of toxic products, or the use of products or objects. Employers under federal jurisdiction must comply with the minimum standards established by Part II of the Canada Labour Code and associated regulations.