Nos (Nitrous oxide) bottles
The Government has updated the law to make possession of nitrous oxide illegal from 8 November 2023 if it is, or is likely to be, wrongfully inhaled, by classifying it as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and placing it in Schedule 5 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
The guidance explains these changes to the law, including what it means for legitimate users of nitrous oxide and how people can ensure they comply with the new legislation.
Nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) is a colourless gas sold in canisters, usually inhaled using a balloon. Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas mostly sold in pressurised metal canisters. People open the canister, transfer the gas into a container (usually a balloon), then inhale from the balloon.
It is also referred to as blue whip, smart whip, balloons, NOS, whippits, laughing gas, hippie crack, chargers, noz.
What to do if you have a bottle or find a bottle
- Take canisters to the household recycling and disposal centre (the tip). Book a slot at the tip.
- Never put it in your recycling bin
- Never put it in your residual waste bin