The Dutch Association for Refuse and Cleansing Management (NVRD) and the Dutch Waste Management Association (DWMA) are calling for government action to address the littering of nitrous oxide (NOS) canisters in public spaces and in the waste chain. The canisters create major safety risks for refuse collectors and workers. Dozens of NOS canisters were found in refuse vehicles and waste incineration plants every week, they said in a statement issued last week. The waste industry groups argue that the problem has become more pronounced since the Netherlands banned the recreational use of nitrous oxide or laughing gas at the start of the year and they are demanding "an urgent meeting" with the health, justice and environment ministers.
"Tens of millions of euros worth of damage have already been reported this year and waste facilities often have to be shut down,” said Boris van der Ham, president of the DWMA. "We are most concerned about the major safety risks our people are exposed to on a daily basis. Accidents are waiting to happen. This situation can no longer be tolerated. We want the government to take action.”...
