Explosions of nitrous oxide canisters are causing energy-from-waste power plants to close for repairs, a trade association has cautioned.

The warning from the Environmental Services Association (ESA) follows an increase in the recreational use of bigger and more destructive nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’ canisters, since a change in legislation three years ago resulted in a ban of the smaller containers.

According to the ESA, which operates many of the UK’s energy-from-waste power plants on behalf of councils, the shift has seen ‘several significant explosions’ begin to occur weekly at the facilities.

The incidents are costing operators millions of pounds a year due to plants closing down for unplanned repairs, said Charlotte Rule, Head of Climate and Energy policy at the ESA, while local authorities are tasked with covering the majority of the costs.

As part of the recommended reparations, the ESA has called for stronger law enforcement around supply and possession, including checks carried out by retailers.

It has also urged a consultation on banning open retail sales of larger canisters (aside from sales to legitimate commercial users), followed by a deposit-return scheme and/or tracking for recycling collections.

More broadly, the organisation has highlighted the importance of raising more awareness about the dangers of their use and suggested the introduction of obligatory safe disposal labelling on-pack and at point of sale.

A Government spokesperson said: ‘The abuse of nitrous oxide is dangerous to people’s health.

‘Suppliers have a clear legal duty to ensure products are not sold for recreational use. It is an offence to illegally dispose of cannisters, and local councils have legal powers to take enforcement action against offenders.’