After a Veolia bin man witnessed an explosion of a Nitrous Oxide (NOx) cannister in a bin, Kingston Council is reminding residents that NOx cannisters can be recycled at Villiers Road Household Reuse and Recycling Centre (HRRC).

Speaking about the matter, Kingston Council said: "NOx canisters cause explosions and fires when crushed and the gas makes fires burn more intensely."

People often use NOx, also known as laughing gas, in cannisters to get high.

In a video created by Veolia and the council, the bin man involved said that he was "moving general waste bins to load into the vehicle when suddenly there was a small explosion that burst out of the truck.

"Thankfully, it was over in a second but I never expected to see an explosion when collecting bins, and it could have been a lot more serious."