A common sight at cafes, home kitchens & restaurants these days is an impressive collection of empty whipped cream chargers/nangs . Oftentimes, when people have used the nitrous oxide inside the canisters, they seem to forget all about the existence of bins!
A question that always comes up with my mates is, can we recycle these things? After all, when they do make it into the bin, it would be a shame for them to end up in a landfill.
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Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, nitrous, or nos, is a compound with a variety of medical, culinary, and automotive uses. The colourless, odourless gas has been in medical use since the early 19th century to provide weak general anaesthesia when undergoing painful procedures. And it’s still in use today! In an ambulance or on the dentist’s chair, you may just be offered a dose to ease your pain.
Nitrous oxide can also be used as a component in rocket propellants, as well as in car racing to increase the power output of engines. One thing to bear in mind, though, is the liquid nitrous oxide used specifically for engines almost always has a small amount of sulphur dioxide added to it to prevent abuse. This means you definitely don’t want it getting into your whipped cream, and should use only food-grade nitrous when you start whipping!
A whipped cream charger, or nang, is most commonly made out of thinly rolled steel and comprises a bulbous end and a narrower dispensing end. The most common-sized chargers are about 6cm long and 1.8cm wide, with 2mm thick walls.
The most common chargers contain 8 grams of nitrous oxide and create a pressure of 30 pounds per square inch when they are discharged. Alongside this, the charger itself becomes freezing cold upon discharge and so chefs must be careful not to touch the chargers directly in order to avoid freeze burns and frostbite.
Nangs, or whipped cream chargers, can be used for a whole variety of different purposes.
Food-grade nitrous oxide chargers (nangs) can be used in hundreds of different recipes and create some really cool effects. Once you get the hang of the main processes involved, your creativity is the only limit!
Whipped cream is the obvious first choice – or really whipped anything! Nangs can infuse pretty much any liquid with sufficient fat in it into a velvety smooth and voluminous whip. This can come in really handy if you’re trying to be creative with dessert or drink toppings.
Another super popular use is to create foams for food or drinks, especially cocktails! Food-grade nitrous oxide itself is pretty tasteless, bordering on sweet, so whether your creation is savoury or sweet really doesn’t limit your options.
The good news is that the disposable nangs you may often see around are 100% recyclable where steel recycling is available. In practical terms, this is a big yes for all Aussies as 94% of Australians are able to recycle steel through their recycling bin at home.
If recycling facilities are definitely not available, even collecting the empty chargers to be used in an arts and crafts project at home would be a lot better than sending them to a landfill!
Hopefully, as this message spreads, we’ll begin to see a lot less littering by budding whipped cream chefs all across the country.
If you love making whipped cream at home or work in a café, chances are you’ve built up a collection of empty whipped cream chargers. But what happens once they’re used up? Can you just toss them in the bin, or is there a better way to get rid of them?
The good thing is nitrous oxide canisters are recyclable, but they need to be disposed of properly. Here’s how to do it the right way:
Before recycling, it’s important to check that the N2O charger is fully discharged. If there’s still gas inside, it could be a safety hazard when processed. To check, simply insert it into a dispenser and release any remaining gas. If you don’t hear a hissing sound, it’s good to go.
Not all areas have the same recycling policies, so it’s always best to check first. Some places accept empty nitrous oxide chargers in the household recycling bin, while others require them to be taken to a scrap metal facility. If you’re unsure, a quick look at your local council’s website should give you the answer.
Some recycling programs ask that you puncture or crush small metal canisters before disposal. If that’s the case in your area, you can use a can opener or a special puncturing tool to do the job. Just be sure to wear gloves and do this in a well-ventilated area.
Once your canisters are completely empty, they can usually go in the metal recycling bin. If your area doesn’t accept them, there may be a hazardous waste collection facility that does.
Tip: If recycling isn’t an option, you could always get creative. Some people repurpose empty canisters for arts and crafts projects, while others use them in DIY builds. It’s always better than letting them end up in a landfill.
Yes! Most recycling schemes will accept steel right alongside all your other recycling. Steel is also infinitely recyclable, so you’d really be helping out the planet by making a stand against the landfill.
Recycling nangs is a really good idea, but bear in mind that they absolutely must be empty before recycling! When sent to landfills, steel can take up to 200 years to completely decompose, and it also wastes all of the effort and resources that went into producing it. Steel is made from non-renewable mineral deposits and large amounts of energy are used to transform these raw materials into the finished steel.
If the environment is something you are conscious about as a consumer, you could even try to cut down the use of nangs, as nitrous oxide itself is a greenhouse gas and is said by some to contribute to global warming.
The three most common sizes are the 8g, the 16g, and the 580g nitrous oxide canister. As long as they are made entirely of steel, they are all just as recyclable. But you absolutely must make sure that they are empty.
Putting compressed gases into your recycling could cause injuries, fires, or other mayhem down the road and land you in a lot of trouble!
You can make a big difference by diverting your empty steel nangs into the recycling centre rather than a landfill. According to Logan City Council, each Australian sends roughly 3.5kg of steel to landfills each year on average. Across the whole country, that’s enough to make 40,000 fridges!
Using recycled steel instead of virgin steel to produce something can save up to 75% of the energy needed, reduce air emissions by 86%, and reduce water pollution by 76%.
Don’t forget, if you’re in need of some fresh nangs or whipped cream chargers, we have a wide selection, great prices, and great service, including fast deliveries!
Recycling nitrous oxide canisters isn’t just about proper disposal; it’s about making small, conscious choices that add up. These canisters are fully recyclable, but they need to be handled the right way to prevent safety risks and unnecessary waste. By taking the time to empty, sort, and recycle correctly, you help keep steel out of landfills and support a more sustainable system.
If recycling isn’t an option, consider repurposing empty canisters for creative projects instead of tossing them away. Every effort counts, and as more people learn the right way to dispose of nitrous oxide chargers, we can reduce waste and make recycling second nature.
NangWizard Thanks You for Being Responsible and for doing your part to keep waste out of landfills.
Yes! Whipped cream chargers are made from steel, which is one of the most commonly recycled materials worldwide. Most areas with steel recycling programs will accept empty nitrous oxide chargers, but it’s always best to check local guidelines to be sure.
Once you’re absolutely sure the canister is completely empty, drop it in your metal recycling bin or take it to a scrap metal facility. Some areas ask you to puncture small canisters first, so check with your local waste service.
Throwing pressurized canisters into general waste is usually not recommended. In many places, discarding them in household trash is illegal due to the potential safety risk. Recycling is the preferred option, but if that’s not available, contact a hazardous waste disposal facility for guidance.
No, standard N2O chargers are single-use and can’t be refilled. However, refillable nitrous oxide systems do exist for those looking for a more sustainable alternative.
Recycling a canister that still contains gas is a serious safety risk. Pressurised canisters can explode under compression, which is why most recycling centres only accept fully emptied chargers. Always discharge the gas completely before disposal.
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