Fast gas in Our Parks and Streets: Why Discarded Canisters Pose a Serious Dange

Fast gas in Our Parks and Streets: Why Discarded Canisters Pose a Serious Danger

By Ongar Tidy Towns

A growing litter crisis is emerging across Irish communities—one that goes far beyond the cosmetic appeal of our public parks and residential streets.

As captured in the accompanying photograph, large, abandoned Fast gas canisters are becoming an increasingly common sight in local woodlands, along footpaths, and across green spaces.

For Ongar Tidy Towns, this trend is deeply concerning. While our volunteers regularly dedicate their time to keeping Ongar clean, safe, and vibrant, the surge in discarded nitrous oxide canisters introduces a serious hazard to public health and volunteer safety.

This is not ordinary litter.

What Is Fast gas?

Fast gas is a prominent brand of high-capacity pressure canisters containing nitrous oxide—commonly referred to as "laughing gas." Nitrous oxide serves legitimate purposes in medical, dental, and culinary settings. However, severe issues arise when the gas is intentionally inhaled for its psychoactive, intoxicating effects.

In recent years, Ireland has experienced a noticeable rise in the recreational misuse of nitrous oxide, particularly among young people. The visible evidence of this habit is left behind in our public spaces in the form of heavy metal pressure vessels.

More Than Just an Eyesore: The Hidden Hazards

At first glance, a discarded canister might appear to be harmless metal trash. In reality, these items pose significant risks to anyone who comes across them—as well as to the broader waste management infrastructure.

Pressurized Risks: Because these canisters store gas under high pressure, improper handling can cause sudden ruptures.

Disruption to Recycling Facilities: Discarded canisters entering municipal waste streams pose severe explosive hazards inside compaction trucks and waste-processing machinery, threatening the safety of sanitation workers.

Hazards for Volunteers: For community groups conducting routine litter picks, encountering pressurized containers introduces unacceptable personal risks.

Important Safety Guidelines: Do Not Touch

The safety of our volunteers and residents is paramount. If you spot a Fast gas or nitrous oxide canister during a clean-up or walk, do not attempt to collect it yourself.

If you encounter a canister:

Leave it in place: Avoid touching or moving it unnecessarily.

Keep children away: Ensure curious bystanders maintain a safe distance.

Do not place in standard bags or bins: Never toss canisters into plastic rubbish bags, household bins, or public street bins.

Never tamper with the valve: Do not attempt to crush, puncture, or vent the container.

Report it: Contact Fingal County Council or your local authority for specialist disposal.

The Serious Health Risks of Nitrous Oxide

The litter itself is only one dimension of this issue; the physiological effects of misusing the gas are equally alarming.

Inhaling nitrous oxide can immediately cause dizziness, severe headaches, disorientation, loss of coordination, and sudden drops in blood oxygen levels. Furthermore, releasing compressed gas rapidly generates extreme cold. Inhaling directly from a canister or nozzle can inflict severe frostbite on the lips, mouth, throat, and lungs.

Despite the colloquial name "laughing gas," there is nothing harmless about its recreational use.

Chronic Health Impact: Neurological Damage

One of the least recognized dangers of frequent nitrous oxide exposure is its ability to deactivate Vitamin B12 in the human body. Prolonged or heavy use severely impairs the nervous system, leading to:

Persistent numbness and tingling in the extremities

Balance deficits and difficulty walking

Long-term nerve degradation and spinal cord damage

A Widespread Challenge Across Fingal and Beyond

This issue extends far beyond Ongar. Tidy Towns committees and civic groups throughout Ireland report finding large canisters during clean-ups.

Local authorities across Fingal have collected significant volumes of discarded canisters, proving this is a systemic challenge rather than an isolated incident. These items are becoming a persistent, high-risk constituent of community waste.

Protecting Children in Our Public Spaces

The bright colors and novel appearance of large pressure canisters often attract the curiosity of young children. A child exploring a park or playing outdoors should never be exposed to drug-related waste or pressurized hazards. Public parks must remain safe, welcoming environments for families to enjoy without concern.

How You Can Help Keep Ongar Safe

Maintaining Ongar requires a collective effort, but public service should never compromise volunteer safety.

Report, Don't Touch: If you encounter dangerous items, notify the local authority immediately.

Talk to Young People: Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the risks of nitrous oxide with teenagers. Accessibility and colorful packaging do not equate to safety.

Seek Support: Anyone concerned about nitrous oxide misuse should consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Let us work together to protect our green spaces, support our waste management teams, and keep Ongar clean and safe for everyone.

Ongar Tidy Towns — Keeping our community vibrant, one safe clean-up at a time.

Come join us for our next monthly Litter picking - September 12th

 

Come Join Us for Our Next Ongar Litter Pick! 🧹🌳

Saturday 12th September at 10 a.m.

There’s something really positive about getting a group of people together and doing something simple that makes a difference.

That’s exactly what our next Ongar Tidy Towns litter pick is all about.

We’re inviting everyone in the Ongar community to come along on Saturday 12th September at 10 a.m., where we’ll be meeting at the Ongar Basketball Courts before heading out to tackle some of the litter around our local area.

Whether you’ve been involved with Ongar Tidy Towns for years or you’ve never joined us before, you’re very welcome.

You don’t need to be a member of anything. You don’t need to know anyone. Just come along, give us a hand and spend a bit of your Saturday morning helping to make Ongar a nicer place.

Why Do We Do It?

The simple answer is that we care about where we live.

Ongar is a great community, with plenty of green spaces, paths, parks and places where people can get out and enjoy the area. But unfortunately, litter is still a problem.

We regularly come across bottles, cans, food wrappers, takeaway rubbish and all sorts of other waste that has been left behind.

It can be frustrating, especially when you know that a lot of it could easily have been put in a bin.

But rather than simply complaining about it, Ongar Tidy Towns wants to do something about it.

That's why our community litter picks are so important.

Every time we head out, we can make a visible difference. A few people picking up a few bags might not sound like much, but when everyone works together, it soon adds up.

And when you walk back through an area after cleaning it, there’s a real sense of satisfaction in seeing the difference.

You Don't Have to Give Up Your Whole Saturday

We know everyone is busy.

Saturday mornings can mean shopping, sport, family commitments, walking the dog, catching up with friends or simply having a lie-in!

We're not asking you to spend the whole day cleaning.

If you can spare an hour, that's brilliant.

If you can stay a little longer, even better.

The important thing is simply turning up and getting involved.

There’s no pressure and no complicated commitment. Come along, help out for as long as you can and enjoy the morning.

Bring Someone With You

One of the nicest things about community clean-ups is that they give people a chance to meet others locally.

Why not ask a friend to come along?

Bring a neighbour.

Bring your family.

Or, if you're feeling brave, just turn up on your own!

You’ll soon find yourself chatting with other people who live locally and who, like you, want to see Ongar looking its best.

Getting involved in something like this can also be a great way for new residents to get to know people in the area.

Ongar has grown enormously over the years, and there are always new people moving into the community. Events like our litter picks are a simple way of bringing people together.

It's Not Just About Picking Up Rubbish

Of course, the main aim is to remove litter.

But there’s more to it than that.

A clean community creates a better environment for everyone. It makes our streets and green spaces more pleasant, and it gives people a greater sense of pride in where they live.

It also sets an example.

When people see volunteers out picking up litter, it reminds everyone that our local environment matters.

Hopefully, it also makes people think twice before dropping something on the ground in the first place.

We want to encourage a culture where people look after Ongar rather than simply expecting somebody else to do it.

Our Local Environment Deserves Better

There’s no doubt that litter can be a real challenge.

Once rubbish starts building up, it can quickly make an area look neglected.

That's something we don't want for Ongar.

We want our children to be able to enjoy clean parks and green spaces. We want people walking around the area to feel proud of where they live. And we want visitors coming into Ongar to see a community that genuinely cares about its surroundings.

That doesn't mean everything will always be perfect.

It simply means that we can all do our bit.

And that's what Ongar Tidy Towns is trying to encourage.

Could You Give Us a Hand?

If you've never been involved before, why not make Saturday 12th September your first litter pick?

You might be surprised how enjoyable it can be.

There’s something satisfying about seeing a pile of rubbish disappear and knowing that you helped make that happen.

And you never know – you might enjoy it so much that you'll come along to the next one too!

We'd love to see a good turnout from across Ongar.

The more people who come along, the more ground we can cover and the bigger difference we can make.

📅 Put the Date in Your Diary

So, here are the details:

Ongar Tidy Towns Community Litter Pick

📅 Saturday 12th September
⏰ 10 a.m.
📍 Ongar Basketball Courts

Just turn up and we'll take it from there.

If you have your own litter picker or gloves, feel free to bring them along, but don't worry if you don't have equipment.

Most importantly, bring yourself and a bit of community spirit!

Let's Make Ongar a Place We Can Be Proud Of ❤️

Nobody can solve the litter problem on their own.

But if enough people are prepared to give a little bit of their time, we can make a real difference.

That's what Ongar Tidy Towns is all about – getting local people involved and working together to make our community cleaner, greener and a nicer place to live.

So if you're free on Saturday 12th September, we'd love you to join us.

Come along to the Ongar Basketball Courts at 10 a.m., bring a friend or neighbour and give us a hand.

You don't have to stay for hours.

You don't have to be a regular volunteer.

Just come along and help us get stuck in.

Every bottle picked up, every can removed and every bag of rubbish collected is one small improvement for Ongar.

And if we all do our bit, those small improvements can add up to something pretty special.

We hope to see you there!

🧹 Ongar Tidy Towns
🌳 Working together for a cleaner, greener Ongar.

Family Fun Day Coming to Ongar Community Centre – Sunday 6th September 2026

Family Fun Day Coming to Ongar Community Centre – Sunday 6th September 2026

A Fantastic Day Out for All the Family in Ongar

Ongar is getting ready for a fantastic afternoon of family entertainment, fun and community spirit as the Ongar Community Centre Family Fun Day takes place on Sunday 6th September 2026, from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

With a great selection of activities planned for children and families, this promises to be a wonderful opportunity for local residents to get together, enjoy themselves and celebrate everything that makes our community special.

The event is particularly welcome as the summer holidays come to an end, giving families in Ongar and the surrounding areas a chance to enjoy one last big afternoon of summer fun before the children return to school.

And with admission costing just €1, with children under two going free, it looks set to be an affordable afternoon for local families.

Plenty of Fun and Activities

There is something for everyone at the Family Fun Day, with a colourful programme of entertainment planned throughout the afternoon.

One of the highlights for younger visitors will undoubtedly be the Kids Train, giving children the chance to enjoy a fun ride while soaking up the atmosphere.

There will also be face painting, allowing children to transform themselves into their favourite characters, animals and colourful creations.

For those who enjoy getting creative, a craft fair will provide another attraction, while an indoor show will add even more entertainment to the afternoon.

Music lovers will also have something to look forward to, with a brass band included among the planned activities.

And, of course, no family fun day would be complete without plenty of balloons! Balloon madness promises to bring plenty of colour and excitement to the event.

The organisers have also promised lots more, so visitors can expect a lively afternoon with plenty happening.

A Chance to Bring the Community Together

Events such as this are about much more than entertainment.

A successful community depends on people getting involved, meeting their neighbours and creating opportunities for families, children, older residents and local organisations to come together.

Here at Ongar Tidy Towns, we believe that community spirit is incredibly important.

Whether it is people volunteering to keep our streets and green spaces clean, residents supporting local events, families getting involved in community activities or local groups working together, every little contribution helps make Ongar a better place to live.

The Family Fun Day is another opportunity for the community to come together in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

You might meet someone you have never spoken to before, bump into an old friend or simply spend a few hours enjoying the afternoon with your family.

Sometimes the simplest community events can create the best memories.

Supporting Our Local Community

Ongar has grown enormously over the years, with families from many different backgrounds now calling the area home.

That makes community events particularly important.

They provide an opportunity for everyone to feel included and welcome while celebrating the local area.

Events such as the Ongar Community Centre Family Fun Day can also help introduce people to the different groups, organisations and activities available locally.

If you are new to Ongar, this could be a great opportunity to discover what is happening in your community and perhaps get involved in something new.

For families who have lived in Ongar for years, it is a chance to support an event close to home and enjoy an afternoon with friends and neighbours.

A Great Way to Finish the Summer

September can be a strange time of year.

The evenings begin to get shorter, the children are heading back to school and everyone starts thinking about the autumn months.

That is why an event like this is a perfect way to squeeze in one more afternoon of summer fun.

The colourful decorations, balloons, entertainment, music and children's activities should create a fantastic atmosphere around the community centre.

And because the event runs from 2pm until 4.30pm, there is plenty of time to come along, enjoy the activities and still have your evening free.

So whether you have young children, grandchildren, friends or simply want to support something happening in your local community, why not come along?

Ongar Tidy Towns Encourages Everyone to Get Involved

At Ongar Tidy Towns, we are always encouraging local people to take pride in where they live.

Community spirit doesn't only mean picking up litter or looking after our green spaces. It also means supporting local organisations, attending community events, helping neighbours and encouraging people to get involved.

The Family Fun Day is a great example of that community spirit.

We would encourage residents from Ongar, Blanchardstown, Clonsilla, Clonsilla Village and the surrounding Dublin 15 area to support the event and help make it a great success.

Bring the children, bring your friends and come along ready for an afternoon of fun.

Put the Date in Your Diary!

The important details are:

📅 Date: Sunday 6th September 2026

⏰ Time: 2.00pm – 4.30pm

📍 Venue: Ongar Community Centre

🎟️ Admission: €1

👶 Children under 2: Free

With a kids train, face painting, craft fair, indoor show, brass band, balloon madness and plenty more entertainment, there should be something to keep the whole family entertained.

Most importantly, this is an opportunity to come together as a community and enjoy an afternoon in Ongar.

So, mark Sunday 6th September 2026 on the calendar and get ready for the Ongar Community Centre Family Fun Day.

Let's support our local community, support local events and make it an afternoon to remember.

Ongar Tidy Towns wishes the organisers every success and hopes to see plenty of local families there

August 15th clean up

 

Come join us!

New Sheriff in town

 

🤠 Meet the Sheriff of Ongar: There’s a New Law in Town… and It’s Called Litter!

There are many characters you might expect to encounter around Ongar. You might see dog walkers, joggers, cyclists, parents rushing after children, people heading to the shops, or volunteers from Ongar Tidy Towns armed with litter pickers and bags.

But every now and again, a mysterious figure appears on the streets.

He wears a cowboy hat.

He has a sheriff's badge.

He walks with the confidence of a man who has seen things that no ordinary citizen should ever have to see.

And when he looks down and spots a discarded bottle, crisp packet or takeaway container lying on the ground, his expression changes.

The Sheriff of Ongar has arrived.

And he's here to clean up the town. 🤠

Wanted: Litter!

The Sheriff isn't interested in gold, glory or fame. He has absolutely no interest in becoming a celebrity, and he certainly isn't looking for trouble.

He's looking for something much more important.

LITTER.

That's right.

The Sheriff of Ongar has declared war on rubbish.

His mission is simple: keep Ongar looking clean, tidy, green and welcoming for everyone who lives here.

Every morning, he surveys the streets like an old-fashioned sheriff surveying the Wild West.

Only instead of looking for outlaws hiding behind a saloon, he's looking behind hedges, underneath benches and around street corners.

And sometimes, what he finds is enough to make even the toughest sheriff shake his head.

“Who left that there?”

A discarded drinks bottle.

A takeaway carton.

An empty packet.

A coffee cup.

Another packet.

And another.

The Sheriff sighs.

He reaches for his trusty litter picker.

“Not on my watch.”

The Sheriff Takes Out the Trash 🗑️🗑️🗑️

There's a simple rule in the Sheriff's town:

If you bring it in, take it home.

And if someone has unfortunately decided that the street, footpath, woodland or green space is their personal rubbish bin, the Sheriff has another solution.

He takes out the trash.

Literally.

Bag by bag, piece by piece, the Sheriff and the good people of Ongar Tidy Towns work to reclaim the streets.

It's not glamorous work.

Nobody is going to make a Hollywood blockbuster about picking up 37 crisp packets on a wet Tuesday morning.

There won't be a red carpet.

There probably won't even be a cup of tea waiting at the end.

But it matters.

Because every piece of rubbish removed makes Ongar a little bit better.

And the Sheriff knows something important:

A clean town doesn't happen by accident.

It happens because people care.

Wanted: Volunteers!

The Sheriff might look like a one-man operation, but even the toughest lawman needs backup.

That's where Ongar Tidy Towns comes in.

Volunteers give their time to help clean up the local area, collect litter and improve the appearance of the community.

They don't do it because it's glamorous.

They do it because Ongar is their home.

They want residents to be proud of where they live, and they want visitors to see a community that takes care of its surroundings.

The Sheriff is particularly impressed by anyone willing to grab a litter picker and get stuck in.

In his book, these people aren't ordinary volunteers.

They're deputies.

The Deputies of Ongar.

And there is always room for another one.

The Great Ongar Litter Hunt

Rumour has it that the Sheriff occasionally sets out on what he calls a “Litter Hunt.”

He rides through Ongar — although these days, for practical reasons, his trusty steed is more likely to have four wheels than four legs — and searches for rubbish.

The Sheriff has developed an extraordinary ability to spot litter from a considerable distance.

A plastic bottle hidden underneath a bush?

Spotted.

A drinks can lying beside a footpath?

Spotted.

A takeaway container abandoned beside a wall?

Spotted.

A crisp packet blowing down the road at approximately 40 kilometres per hour?

SPOTTED.

The Sheriff springs into action.

His litter picker is drawn.

The bag is opened.

The offending rubbish is captured.

Justice has been served.

And somewhere in Ongar, another piece of litter is no longer somebody else's problem.

But the Sheriff Has a Message…

Despite his tough appearance, the Sheriff isn't angry with everyone.

In fact, his message is remarkably straightforward.

Please don't litter.

It really is that simple.

If you have a bottle, packet, coffee cup or takeaway container, please put it in a bin or bring it home with you.

If a bin is full, don't leave your rubbish beside it.

And if you're out walking and notice a piece of litter, why not pick it up if you can safely do so?

One person picking up one piece of rubbish might not seem like much.

But imagine hundreds of people doing it.

That's how change happens.

That's how a community becomes cleaner.

And that's how the Sheriff likes to see Ongar.

The Sheriff of Ongar's Code

The Sheriff's code is short enough to fit on the back of his badge:

Respect your town.

Take your rubbish home.

Don't litter.

Look after green spaces.

Help when you can.

And never underestimate what a small group of volunteers can achieve.

He also has one final rule.

If you see someone from Ongar Tidy Towns walking around with a litter picker and a bag, give them a wave.

They are doing something positive for the community.

The Sheriff approves.

There's a New Law in Town

So, the next time you're walking through Ongar and you notice a suspicious-looking cowboy hat appearing in the distance, don't panic.

It might just be the Sheriff.

He'll probably be standing beside a pile of rubbish, holding a litter picker in one hand and a full rubbish bag in the other.

He'll look towards the horizon.

He'll look at Ongar.

He'll look at the rubbish.

And he'll say the words that have become famous throughout the community:

“This town ain't big enough for litter.”

Then he'll get back to work.

Because the Sheriff of Ongar isn't here to make arrests.

He's here to make a difference.

He's here to take out the trash. 🗑️🗑️🗑️

He's here to help keep Ongar clean.

And most importantly, he's here to remind all of us that keeping our community tidy isn't just the Sheriff's job — it's everyone's job.

So let's give him a hand.

Grab a litter picker.

Grab a bag.

Get involved with Ongar Tidy Towns.

And together, let's show litter that it has picked the wrong town.

Welcome to Ongar, Sheriff.

The streets are yours. 🤠🌳🗑️

And remember… LITTER HAS NOWHERE TO HIDE!

Bonus Clean up for July

 

Join Ongar Tidy Towns for Our Community Litter Pick and Bonus Clean Up – Sunday 26th July at 10:00 AM

A clean town doesn't happen by chance—it happens because people care. Every piece of litter picked up, every path cleaned, and every flower planted is a reminder that a community working together can make a real difference.

That's exactly what Ongar Tidy Towns is all about.

We're inviting everyone to join us at the Ongar Basketball Courts for another community litter pick, followed by a Bonus Clean Up to tackle some extra areas that need a little attention.

Whether you've joined us before or this will be your very first event, we'd love to see you there.

Every Pair of Hands Makes a Difference

People often think one person can't change much. The truth is, one person picking up one bag of litter inspires another person to do the same.

When twenty, thirty, or even fifty local people come together, the results are incredible. Streets become cleaner, parks become more enjoyable, wildlife is protected, and the whole community benefits.

Even an hour or two of your time can leave a lasting impact.

Why Community Clean-Ups Matter

Litter isn't just unpleasant to look at—it has real environmental consequences.

Plastic waste can remain in the environment for hundreds of years, harming wildlife and polluting waterways. 

Glass can become a safety hazard for children and pets, while discarded cans, food packaging, and cigarette butts spoil green spaces that everyone should be able to enjoy.

By removing litter before it spreads or breaks down, we're helping to protect local biodiversity and making Ongar a healthier, safer place for everyone.

More Than Picking Up Rubbish

Our litter picks are about far more than cleaning streets.

They're about neighbours meeting neighbours.

They're about families spending time together outdoors.

They're about children learning the importance of caring for the environment.

They're about taking pride in where we live.

Every event brings together people from different backgrounds and age groups, all with one simple goal—to make Ongar the best place it can be.

Everyone Is Welcome

You don't need any experience or special equipment to take part.

Whether you're:

Coming on your own

Bringing the kids

Joining with friends

Representing a local group

Looking to volunteer in your community

there's a place for you.

Young volunteers are always welcome when accompanied by an adult, and it's a fantastic way to teach children about environmental responsibility while having fun outdoors.

Our Bonus Clean Up

This month's event includes a Bonus Clean Up, giving volunteers the opportunity to help tackle additional areas that need extra attention.

Once we've completed our main litter pick, we'll move on to locations that have accumulated rubbish over time, ensuring we leave even more of Ongar looking its very best.

It's a chance to go the extra mile—and every extra bag collected makes a visible difference.

Building Community Pride

One of the best things about Ongar Tidy Towns is seeing the pride people take in their local area.

When residents work together, it creates a ripple effect.

Cleaner streets encourage others not to litter.

Visitors notice the difference.

Local businesses benefit from a more attractive environment.

Children grow up seeing adults care about their community.

These are the small actions that help build a stronger, friendlier neighbourhood.

What to Bring

If you're planning to join us, we recommend bringing:

Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather

Sturdy footwear

A water bottle

Sunscreen if it's a warm day

A smile and plenty of enthusiasm

Litter pickers, gloves, and bags will be available for volunteers, although you're welcome to bring your own gloves if you prefer.

Together We Can Make a Difference

Every event reminds us that positive change begins with ordinary people deciding to do something extraordinary for their community.

You don't need to dedicate every weekend.

You don't need to spend hours volunteering.

Just giving a little of your time can have a lasting impact on Ongar and the people who live here.

If you've ever walked through a clean park, enjoyed a litter-free footpath, or admired a tidy green space, you've already benefited from the efforts of volunteers.

Now is your chance to be part of that effort.

Event Details

📅 Date: Sunday 26th July

🕙 Time: 10:00 AM

📍 Meeting Point: Ongar Basketball Courts

Whether you can stay for the full event or just an hour, every volunteer makes a difference.

Let's work together to keep Ongar clean, welcoming, and something we can all be proud of.

We look forward to seeing you 

Together, we can make Ongar shine. 🌿♻️

July's big clean up

 

🧹 Come Join Us for the Ongar Tidy Towns Litter Pick! 🌿

A clean community is a happy community, and we need your help!

Ongar Tidy Towns is inviting everyone in the community to come along and join our next litter pick on Saturday 11th July at 11am, meeting at the Ongar Basketball Courts.

It’s a great opportunity to get outdoors, meet neighbours, have a chat, and make a real difference to the area we all call home. Every bag collected helps keep Ongar looking its best and shows the pride we have in our community.

Whether you’ve joined us before or this will be your first time, everyone is welcome. Bring along family, friends, and neighbours — the more people who get involved, the bigger the impact we can make together.

So please mark it in your calendar and come along on Saturday 11th July at 11am. We hope to see as many of you as possible there!

A big thank you to everyone who continues to support Ongar Tidy Towns and helps make our community a cleaner, greener, and nicer place for everyone.

📅 Date: Saturday 11th July

⏰ Time: 11am

📍 Meeting Point: Ongar Basketball Courts

See you there! 😊

#OngarTidyTowns #CommunitySpirit #KeepOngarClean #TeamOngar #TidyTowns #VolunteerIreland