Overview
- Metro Vancouver reports high-pressure nitrous oxide cylinders are entering garbage streams, causing explosions that have damaged waste-to-energy equipment, with no injuries reported.
- An operator recorded 21 explosion events in a 24-hour period at the Burnaby facility as heat caused gas to expand and cylinders to burst.
- The region says do not place these containers in regular garbage; recycling depots will accept them only when depressurized by removing the valve or puncturing the cylinder, with drop-off free of charge.
- Health Canada recently warned about unauthorized recreational nitrous oxide products, some seized with CBSA assistance, including brands such as Bamboozle, Primewhip and GreatWhip Max Cream Charger.
- Officials say the source of the large cylinders remains unclear, report fewer locally after federal actions, and have asked Ottawa to confirm the sales are unlawful.