Volunteers collect 200 laughing gas canisters from Two Tree Island

A team of litter picking volunteers have so far collected TWO HUNDRED industrial-size laughing gas (nitrous oxide) canisters from Two Tree Island this summer.

12 volunteers collected 88 nitrous oxide canisters during a “very challenging” August litter sweep at the nature reserve, as well as filling 43 bags of other discarded rubbish.

And in July, a team of 14 collected 112 of the nitrous oxide canisters, as well as 33 large bags of litter, from the same internationally-protected reserve.

The team called Litter-Less Leigh is led by local resident Danielle Carbott. Their aim is to “end the increasing trend of litter” in Leigh-on-Sea, by regular litter picks.

The government made the possession of nitrous oxide a criminal offence in, as part of plans to tackle anti-social behaviour.

In recent years its use has soared and has become one of the most-abused substances, especially by young adults and teenagers aged 16 to 24.

Nitrous oxide is a gas that can be inhaled as a painkiller in medicine and dentistry. It’s also used in catering such as for the production of whipped cream. But recreational users often release the gas into a balloon and then inhale it.

Nitrous oxide is now a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, meaning possession and sale of it for recreational purposes is a criminal offence.

Those caught with nitrous oxide for unlawful use face a caution, community service or an unlimited fine.