The Nang Crisis: Melbourne's Plan for Safer Disposal

The City of Melbourne is considering a dedicated bin system for the disposal of nitrous oxide canisters, known colloquially as "nangs," following a sharp increase in their unsafe disposal and related health emergencies. This initiative comes amid a broader national context of rising imports, increasing hospital admissions, and calls for more consistent regulation.

Waste Disposal and Public Safety

Melbourne City Council Proposal

The City of Melbourne is examining a plan to provide special bins for nitrous oxide canisters, similar to e-waste collection systems. Under this model, the council would supply the bins, and facility managers would request collection when they are full.

Volume of Waste

In 2024, the council recovered nearly 50,000 canisters from apartment skip bins and streets. Owner corporations reportedly spend "hundreds of thousands of dollars" on disposal.

Disposal Risks

Authorities state that no standard disposal method currently exists and that canisters pose explosion and fire risks when placed in regular bins.

"No standard disposal method currently exists" — and canisters pose explosion and fire risks when placed in regular bins.

Local Incidents

Whitehorse City Council has reported a rise in dumping incidents. In Sydney, 10 large cylinders were found dumped in a playground.

Current Regulation

• South Australia: Canisters can be taken to waste centers for free.
• Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia: Have introduced regulations.
• Western Australia: Has banned the sale of large canisters and restricted 10g sales to registered businesses.
• New South Wales: Has announced planned crackdowns, including age restrictions and purchase limits.

Health Impact and Medical Warnings

Victorian Coronial Data

A coronial investigation reported 16 deaths linked to nitrous oxide in Victoria between 2020 and 2025, compared to four in the preceding two decades.

Hospital Presentations

Doctors at Melbourne hospitals report an increase in emergency department presentations for complications including paralysis, spinal damage, brain injuries, and burns.

Specific Cases

• Daniel Jones, a 36-year-old fruit shop owner in Brisbane, died in February 2025 from plastic bag and nitrous oxide asphyxiation.
• Sam Bramman, 21, became addicted to the gas, leading to a psychotic episode and a car crash.

Medical Statements

Dr. Brendan Morrissey (St Vincent's Hospital): "Patients have arrived in cardiac arrest and with irreversible nerve damage causing loss of lower limb function."

Dr. Mark Putland (Royal Melbourne Hospital): Consequences include "permanent spinal damage, brain damage, and psychosis."

Dr. Jacqueline Maplesden (St Vincent's Hospital): Noted a shift from small 8g canisters to larger ones containing up to 200 times the amount of gas, increasing the risk of hypoxia and asphyxiation.

Toxicologist Jessamine Soderstrom (Royal Perth Hospital): Reported neurological damage, including spinal cord nerve damage, numbness, and difficulty walking, and stated that the larger tanks have "no legitimate use."

Legal and Regulatory Landscape

Current Legality

The sale of nitrous oxide for culinary or medical purposes is legal in Victoria, but it is illegal to sell with knowledge of intended inhalation. Similar federal laws apply nationally.

Regulatory Gaps

In most states, the gas can be bought over the counter at tobacconists and convenience stores. A 2024 report by 7.30 found that several Sydney tobacconists did not ask customers about their intended use.

TGA Decision

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) decided in 2021 not to classify nitrous oxide as a Schedule 10 poison, citing its legitimate uses. The TGA states it is working with states on a response to misuse.

Enforcement Challenges

Researchers describe the regulatory landscape as "patchy" and "confusing," with enforcement difficult, especially online.

Calls for Reform

• Tessa Jones, mother of Daniel Jones, called for tighter controls, stating that deliveries at 2 a.m. indicate businesses know the gas is not for legitimate catering.
• Canterbury Bankstown councillor Harry Stavrinos has urged stricter controls on who can purchase the gas.
• Researcher Jacqui Cameron recommends a harm-minimisation approach, including better research, public education, and nationally consistent laws.

"Deliveries at 2 a.m. indicate businesses know the gas is not for legitimate catering." — Tessa Jones

Prevalence and User Demographics

Import Data

Australian Border Force data show nitrous oxide imports rose from 249 tonnes in 2015 to approximately 3,800 tonnes in 2025 — a 15-fold increase. The customs value of these imports increased from about $2 million to $19 million over the same period.

User Perceptions

University of Wollongong researcher Jacqui Cameron found that many young people do not view nitrous oxide as dangerous because it is not illegal and is easy to obtain. Some participants reported using it on the way to parties or alongside alcohol and other drugs.

Age of Users

Drug and alcohol workers report use by children as young as 10 in school playgrounds.