Hazardous waste: Wicklow volunteers left to handle explosive N₂O canisters
The Wicklow PeopleWicklow County Council is being asked to urgently provide a safe disposal facility for nitrous oxide (laughing gas) canisters, following increasing reports of discarded cylinders being collected by volunteer groups across the county.
Greystones Cathaoirleach Cllr Lourda Scott, who runs Clean Coasts North Wicklow beach cleaning group, and has been contacted by volunteers from Tidy Towns groups, said the current situation is unacceptable and places an unfair burden on community volunteers.
As someone who carries out monthly beach cleans with Clean Coasts, Cllr Scott has seen several nitrous oxide canisters discarded in public spaces.
“Their use has grown in recent years, and I want to stress how extremely dangerous these substances are to people’s health. However, we are also left with the problem of what to do with the waste that is discarded. I contacted Wicklow County Council for advice on how to handle these.
At a recent district meeting in Greystones Cllr Scott was told that as the canisters are classified as hazardous material, they have no facilities to safely handle them and are awaiting national guidelines.
“This really isn't good enough. To me it is simply not acceptable that community groups, who are doing such important work to keep our towns and beaches clean, are left without proper support or guidance.
“We have a responsibility to protect both our environment and the people who give their time to care for it. Allowing hazardous canisters to be left in our outdoor spaces is a risk to public safety and undermines the incredible work of our local volunteer groups.”
Cllr Scott said that this issue is not unique to Wicklow, but that some local authorities have already taken practical steps to address the problem.
Other councils have engaged specialist contractors and provided designated drop off facilities to ensure these hazardous items can be safely managed.
Cllr Scott has called on Wicklow County Council to take similar action without delay.
“Clear protocols and guidance for community groups need to be drawn up by the council about this hazard until a National Framework is developed.”
In response to a query from Cllr Scott at the local authority’s March monthly meeting, chief executive Emer O’Gorman said the council will review what she called a “concerning” situation.
Cllr Scott believes local communities aren’t a dumping ground for hazardous waste materials.
“Wicklow County Council must take proactive steps now act now to provide a safe and practical solution that protects both public safety and our environment,” she added.