Large haul of nitrous oxide canisters found close to children’s play area
Community litter pickers in Leicester have uncovered a substantial quantity of discarded nitrous oxide canisters close to a popular playground, prompting fresh concern about public safety and rising recreational misuse of the gas.
Members of the Rango's Wombly Walkies group discovered an estimated almost 200 canisters on Monday, packed into 33 black bin bags in the wooded area adjacent to the Goldhill Adventure Playground. The haul was described by the group as the largest single find they have made.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is used legitimately in medicine, dentistry and catering but has increasingly been purchased and inhaled for a brief psychoactive effect. Under the law in England and Wales, possession of nitrous oxide with the intention to inhale it for that effect is a criminal offence.
Volunteers warn of growing problem
Volunteers who regularly clear litter across the city say finds of canisters have become commonplace and are occurring in locations that put families and passers-by at risk.
"If you go on a litter pick nowadays you just find them everywhere"
That view was echoed by Scott Gibbins of the South Leicestershire Litter Wombles, who began organised picking in 2019. He highlighted the physical hazard posed by discarded canisters, saying they are heavy and could cause someone to come off a bicycle or motorcycle if left near the kerb.
The Rango's Wombly Walkies spokesperson said the recent find was clearly linked to a private event, adding:
"What I found on Monday was definitely from a private event because there was simply too many of them."
Health, environmental and enforcement concerns
Beyond the criminal implications, litter pickers emphasise environmental harm and the potential danger to children playing nearby. The gas canisters are metal and non-biodegradable, contributing to long-term pollution in green spaces if not removed.
Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas. Recreational users often release it into a balloon and inhale it, while it is also legitimately used as a whipping agent in catering and as an analgesic in medical settings. The substance was classified as a Class C drug in November 2023.
- Location: Wooded area by Goldhill Adventure Playground, Leicester
- Items found: Almost 200 nitrous oxide canisters
- Packaging: 33 black bin bags
- Legal note: Possession to inhale for psychoactive effect is an offence in England and Wales
Volunteers have had to take on regular clear-ups following similar incidents in the past. In one previously reported case, hundreds of canisters were removed after a street party near Bede Park. Litter picking groups warn the issue has intensified since early 2025.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Approximate number of canisters | Almost 200 |
| Number of bags found | 33 |
| Legal classification | Class C (since Nov 2023) |
Those involved in the clean-up say they are encouraged to collect and bag these items but express concern at the scale of the problem. One volunteer described seeing canisters in hedges, playgrounds and car parks during routine patrols.
Community groups and residents say a coordinated response is needed — combining enforcement, public-awareness work and improved event management — to reduce the recurrence of such incidents and to keep children’s play spaces safe.
Local councils and police forces have been asked previously to tackle nitrous oxide misuse through education and targeted enforcement. For now, litter pickers continue to remove discarded canisters to limit immediate harm while urging agencies to take further action.
