The number of laughing gas cylinders discovered in Brussels rose dramatically in one year despite a federal ban.
Nitrous oxide canisters, also known as laughing gas, are typically used as a sedative in medical and dental procedures, but with more and more people using the gas recreationally, Belgium banned the sale of nitrous oxide to minors in 2022. An overall ban on the import, export, sale, storage and possession came into force last year.
Despite the crackdown, the amount of nitrous oxide waste collected in the Brussels-Capital Region rose from approximately 25 tonnes to 75 tonnes in 2024, according to the latest figures from Brussels-Propreté (the Brussels agency responsible for public cleaning).
Brussels-Propreté believes the rise is partly due to improved waste sorting at incineration plants. More empty canisters are being found not only in known hotspots such as the Brabant Quarter, Josaphat Park, Liedts Square, Anneessens and Brussels-Midi Station but also in wealthier municipalities. This indicates that the issue is spreading beyond previously affected areas.
Figures likely an underestimate
In addition, the latest figures likely underestimate the problem, as municipalities, the Brussels-Capital Region and public transport operator STIB are all now collecting and disposing of nitrous oxide canisters.
In total, the actual amount of recovered canisters in 2024 could be around 150 tonnes. 5.26 tonnes worth of the canisters were found in recycling parks this year compared to just two tonnes in 2023.
Six times more canisters were found in and around public bins, rising from 2.6 tonnes in 2023 to 12.4 tonnes in 2024.
