Litter pickers found almost 200 nitrous oxide canisters in 33 black bags near Leicester’s Goldhill Adventure Playground on Monday. Rango’s Wombly Walkies called it their biggest single haul and said dumped canisters are becoming more common.
The group’s spokesperson said the haul was definitely from a private event, citing the number of canisters. The spokesperson said sightings in hedges, playgrounds and car parks had increased since early 2025; the group said hundreds were cleared after a street party near Bede Park last year.
In England and Wales, possessing nitrous oxide to inhale for a psychoactive effect is a criminal offence. Litter pickers are encouraged to bag canisters and leave them beside the nearest council litter bin, or report fly-tipping through the Love Clean Streets app. Litter picker Scott Gibbins said canisters near kerbs could cause cyclists or motorcyclists to crash.
