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Written question asked by Neil Hudson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Monday, 29 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Litter: Nitrous Oxide

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department are taking to help tackle the discarding in the environment of nitrous oxide canisters.

Answer

It is an offence to illegally dispose of cannisters. Local councils have legal powers to take enforcement action against offenders. Anyone caught littering may be prosecuted in a magistrates’ court, which can lead to a criminal record and a fine of up to £2,500 on conviction. Instead of prosecuting, councils may decide to issue a fixed penalty (on-the-spot fine) of up to £500.

Guidance to councils and others on the use of their fixed penalty powers for littering and related offences is available at: Litter enforcement powers - when and how to use them - GOV.UK.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
12472
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Litter Nitrous oxide
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk