Information on Nitrous Oxide Containers

The RCA has received the following information and request from Metro Vancouver to encourage the support of a prohibition on the importing and selling of nitrous oxide containers in Canada. To date, the RCA does not have knowledge on the extent of the prevalence or problem of nitrous oxide containers in Alberta’s waste or recycling streams but we support our provincial neighbours and are exploring the avoidance of a future problem with support of an introduction of a ban. Please reach out if you have any information on how this is impacting you or your business. Info@recycle.ab.ca

Proposed Ban on the Import and Sale of Valved Single-Use Nitrous Oxide Cylinders – 2026 Apr 27

Email from Metro Vancouver:

The purpose of this email is to update you on Metro Vancouver’s actions to prevent the inappropriate disposal of large single-use valved nitrous oxide cylinders, and encourage you to consider writing to the Government of Canada requesting that the import and sale of these cylinders be prohibited in Canada.

Given your interest and involvement with the National Zero Waste Council, we wanted to share information on this issue, which may be of relevance to you.

Over the last year, Metro Vancouver has experienced a significant increase in large single-use valved nitrous oxide cylinders in the waste stream (see attached image) putting workers and the public at risk, causing equipment damage, explosions at the Waste-to-Energy Facility, and potential environmental impacts.

Metro Vancouver’s Board Chair and Zero Waste Committee Chair have written to the Government of Canada requesting a prohibition on the import and sale of these large single-use valved nitrous oxide cylinders (see attached letter).

For Metro Vancouver there are significant costs resulting from the inappropriate disposal of the cylinders. To Metro Vancouver’s knowledge, the only use of these large valved single-use cylinders is for the purpose of inhalation, a restricted use in Canada. To date although Health Canada has recalled many of the cylinders, our understanding is that enforcement by Health Canada has been done at the individual retailer level rather than prohibiting the sale and import of the cylinders at a national level. Metro Vancouver estimates that more than 100 vape and smoke shops in the Metro Vancouver region are selling cylinders, and in parallel they can be purchased through on-line retailers.

Metro Vancouver started a free recycling option for dropping off large single-use nitrous oxide cylinders at solid waste management facilities late in 2025 and is receiving approximately 700 cylinders per month for recycling. The cost of the recycling service is being funded through tipping fees paid by all users of the regional solid waste system.

If large valved nitrous oxide cylinders are also a concern in your community, we encourage you consider writing to the Government of Canada requesting that the import and sale of these products be prohibited.

Feel free to reach out to me at paul.henderson@metrovancouver.org or 604 603 2294 if you have any questions or comments.