Local governments in Flanders and Wallonia are sounding the alarm about gas cylinders – including those for laughing gas.

The number of incidents at incinerators and recycling centres are on the rise due to improper disposal of gas cylinders. It causes damage and increases the need for additional safety measures. On top of that, it also puts everyone working in waste collection and disposal at risk.

A gas cylinder isn’t just another waste item: incorrect sorting can have major consequences. Empty single-use gas cylinders from a camping cooker, patio heater or barbecue belong at the recycling centre, in the Household Hazardous Waste section (Klein Gevaarlijk Afval / Déchets Spéciaux des Ménages or Déchets Dangereux). Refillable gas cylinders should be returned to specific collection points. When gas cylinders incorrectly end up in residual waste, PMD or paper-cardboard, they can cause explosions and fires during collection or disposal. Copidec, the Walloon Public Waste Sector Federation, is therefore launching a campaign this spring emphasising individual responsibility. The message is clear: a single incorrectly sorted gas cylinder can have major consequences.

Another problem is nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. Despite the ban on the improper use of nitrous oxide, cities and municipalities are seeing more and more canisters turning up at recycling centres and in litter. The cost of cleaning this up, but also of repairing damage to waste incinerators, ultimately falls on local governments and citizens. In the view of Interafval, the Flemish partnership between the Association of Cities and Municipalities (VVSG) and the intermunicipal waste organisations, this is unacceptable. It’s calling for a systematic approach that puts more effort into enforcement so that illegal sales are curbed.

For Fost Plus, safety in the waste treatment chain is a priority. There’s an average of one incident per day at PMD sorting centres: from jammed lines to the development of smoke and employee injuries. Unfortunately, the cause often lies in stray batteries, broken electronic items or incorrectly sorted gas cartridges. We are working with local partners, members and authorities to reduce sorting errors in order to ensure greater safety in the recycling chain. Clear communication to citizens about the impact of a seemingly small mistake and clear sorting advice are an inherent part of this.

More information: https://www.bettersorting.be/blog/how-to-throw-away-gas-bottles