Volunteer litter pickers in a Birmingham suburb collected more than double the number of discarded nitrous oxide canisters last year, highlighting a growing problem with the substance often referred to as 'laughing gas'. The Moseley Litterbusters group recorded picking up a staggering 1,118 large canisters in 2025, compared to 476 in 2024.
Community Concern Over Doubling Figures
The sharp increase was raised as a serious concern by local councillor Izzy Knowles during a meeting of the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel. Councillor Knowles, who represents the Moseley ward, warned that the issue of nitrous oxide use had not diminished, despite its reclassification as a Class C drug.
She stated that the volunteer group, which has been monitoring and collecting the canisters for several years, now finds them daily. Councillor Knowles noted a worrying trend in the size of the canisters being abandoned, saying they have "gone from little tiny ones to really big ones".
Police and Crime Commissioner Responds
In response, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster acknowledged that the problem remains a significant concern, particularly regarding public health, road safety, and anti-social behaviour. He expressed puzzlement that the issue had been raised with him less frequently in recent months, despite evidence to the contrary on the streets.
"I'm not quite sure why it has apparently disappeared off the radar. I'm quite sure the issue has not gone away," Mr Foster said. He confirmed that tackling nitrous oxide misuse will be included in a West Midlands-wide anti-social behaviour action plan, which is currently being finalised and must be completed by the end of March.
Impact on Neighbourhoods and Next Steps
Councillor Knowles emphasised the real-world impact on local communities, pointing out that the canisters are often left in areas where young people gather in cars, posing a potential driving risk. "It is still a huge issue and it is having an impact on neighbourhoods," she stressed.
Commissioner Foster thanked the councillor for raising the issue, confirming his continued concern and commitment to ensuring it is addressed through the forthcoming regional plan. The collaboration between community volunteers and authorities underscores the ongoing challenge of combating nitrous oxide-related litter and anti-social behaviour in Birmingham's suburbs.
