Concern is mounting in a Birmingham suburb after the number of discarded nitrous oxide canisters littering its streets more than doubled in a single year, indicating a persistent public health and safety issue.
Sharp Rise in Discarded Canisters
Local councillor Izzy Knowles, who represents Moseley, has raised the alarm with the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel. She revealed that the volunteer group Moseley Litterbusters collected a staggering 1,118 large nitrous oxide canisters in 2025. This figure marks a dramatic increase from the 476 canisters they recorded picking up in the previous year, 2024.
Councillor Knowles highlighted that the group has been monitoring the problem for several years and noted a worrying shift. "The number of canisters being found every day, and they’ve gone from little tiny ones to really big ones, and are being left in areas where you have young people sitting in cars and possibly driving, shows it hasn’t gone away," she stated.
Official Response and Ongoing Concerns
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, acknowledged that the issue remains a significant concern, despite receiving fewer direct reports about it recently. "Nitrous Oxide has been a matter of concern for some years now," he said, citing its public health consequences, impact on road safety, and links to anti-social behaviour.
Mr Foster confirmed that tackling the misuse of the substance, which is now a Class C drug, will be included in a forthcoming West Midlands-wide anti-social behaviour action plan, due for finalisation by the end of March 2026.
A Problem That Hasn't Disappeared
Both Councillor Knowles and Commissioner Foster stressed that the visible evidence on the streets contradicts any notion that the problem has diminished. "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 commented.
Councillor Knowles suggested that the community may have become desensitised to the sight of the silver canisters, but emphasised the ongoing impact. "It is still a huge issue and it is having an impact on neighbourhoods," she concluded, urging for continued vigilance and action from authorities.
