Home / Environment / Laughing Gas Left to Litter Lake District
Laughing Gas Left to Litter Lake District
13 Jan
Summary
- 26 commercial nitrous oxide canisters found at Ullswater beauty spot.
- National Trust spent £532 on cleanup, hindering conservation work.
- Recreational nitrous oxide use is now a Class C drug offense.
Over the summer, National Trust rangers uncovered 26 large, commercial-sized nitrous oxide canisters along the shores of Ullswater, a picturesque Lake District location. The cost of safely removing and disposing of this hazardous waste amounted to £532, funds that could have supported vital conservation projects like planting saplings or repairing drystone walls.
The discovery highlights a growing problem, with empty canisters found regularly. Nitrous oxide, commonly used in healthcare, is now classified as a Class C drug when misused recreationally, making its possession or sale a criminal offense. Cumbria Police have previously found dozens of these canisters, warning of serious health consequences.
Beyond the financial burden on conservation charities, these discarded canisters pose a significant threat to wildlife and the environment. Rangers emphasize that this litter diverts precious time and energy away from crucial habitat restoration and wildlife protection work, underscoring the importance of responsible waste disposal and taking litter home.
