Framework Awarded for Nitrous Oxide Disposal

Police forces and public sector organisations across the UK now have access to a new national framework designed to address the growing operational, legal and environmental challenges associated with the handling and disposal of seized nitrous oxide canisters.

BlueLight Commercial has awarded the BLC0249 Framework for Nitrous Oxide Disposal and Associated Services, providing access to specialist suppliers delivering compliant collection, transportation, storage, degassing and disposal services.

The framework was developed in response to increasing demand from police forces following the reclassification of nitrous oxide as a Class C drug in November 2023, which has led to a significant rise in the seizure of canisters requiring safe management and disposal. Seized canisters may contain residual gas, requiring specialist handling and disposal processes.

The framework has been designed to provide a compliant, efficient and environmentally responsible service that supports the secure storage, safe transfer and legal disposal of seized nitrous oxide canisters, their contents and associated containers.

The framework is structured into four separate lots, allowing procurement of either a complete end-to-end service or individual elements of the disposal process.

Lot 1: Full Service

• A complete managed solution covering collection, transportation, storage and disposal of full, partially discharged, nominally empty and empty nitrous oxide canisters.

Lot 2: Transportation and Storage

• Provision of collection, transportation and secure storage facilities for full, partially discharged, nominally empty and empty canisters.

Lot 3: Collection, Transportation, Degassing and Disposal

• Collection and transportation of canisters to supplier facilities for degassing, valve removal where necessary, and disposal. This lot also includes disposal by incineration where appropriate.

Lot 4: Empty Canister Disposal

• Collection, transportation and disposal of empty nitrous oxide canisters, including opportunities to recover value through recycling processes and generate revenue returns for participating organisations.

The framework is a 3-year term from 12/08/2026 to 11/08/2029 with an estimated value of £7.2m inclusive of VAT.

For more information about the framework, visit the Nitrous Oxide Disposal page.