Retired teacher Tim Chapman has collected 3,500 discarded nitrous oxide canisters over 18 months, describing the problem as an 'epidemic' in Fenland, Norfolk. The canisters weigh one and a half kilograms each when empty, amounting to more than five tonnes of litter.
'I don't want to carry on doing it, but I guess I'll have to,' said Tim, from Lynn, Norfolk. 'The problem has reached epidemic proportions here in Fenland. On Friday mornings, for example, Wisbech Park is often littered with the canisters. They are left under public benches along with vapes, beer cans and plastic sachet bags. It has become an eyesore. Who would want to visit a town that looks such a mess?'
One-man battle against the tide
Tim, an avid cyclist, started the clear-up mission after feeling 'fed up' of seeing the canisters in lay-bys, T-junctions, and other pull-offs around the countryside. Earlier this year, he shared his efforts after collecting almost 300 canisters in just three months. He has continued to scout out and dispose of the litter but believes something drastic needs to change.
'18 months ago, there was the odd one or two canisters, now there are often several boxes dumped on the wayside – the problem has got worse,' said Tim. 'The most dangerous canisters, though, are the ones that are used while the drug user is driving. Across the country, this has led to several fatalities and many injuries, including to innocent bystanders.'
Legal status and environmental impact
Nitrous oxide is legal to purchase for baking, but recreational use was banned in 2023 and it is now a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Possession for unlawful use can result in a caution, community service or an unlimited fine, while repeat offenders could face prison. Production or supply for unlawful purposes carries a prison term of up to 14 years.
The greenhouse gas is said to be 300 times worse than carbon dioxide, which Tim called 'appalling'. He suggested potential solutions: 'a possible licensing scheme, so people can only buy it if they are licensed to do so. Alternatively, install a large deposit. The canisters sell for about £20 per canister. If you put a £5-£10 deposit on each one, that might limit the amount bought.'
Warning to helpers
Tim is encouraging others to help but advised them to leave canisters at the side of a public council bin, not inside. He said: 'Many people I have talked to about the problem are unaware of what the nitrous oxide canisters are. Some think they are drinks containers and a few have dutifully picked them up and put them into public bins. This, though, is also very dangerous. Once in the waste stream, they are difficult to extract, and a lot have exploded inside waste incinerators, causing millions of pounds worth of damage.'
