Press release

AEB Amsterdam opens nitrous oxide facility to prevent explosions in the incinerators

Due to the lack of government measures to reduce the large number of nitrous oxide canisters in waste, waste processor AEB Amsterdam is forced to take additional action. This week, a nitrous oxide facility is being opened on the AEB site in close collaboration with the Municipality of Amsterdam and Meerlanden.

Wim van Lieshout, CEO of AEB Amsterdam: "It is good to see that we have been able to realize this quickly together with the Municipality of Amsterdam and Meerlanden. However, it is incomprehensible that the government still does not take responsibility. The waste sector is being forced to invest in expensive emergency measures, while the government should be implementing structural solutions. If no action is taken, waste processing will only become more expensive."

Meerlanden, which supplies household and commercial waste to AEB, welcomes this collaboration to tackle a challenging problem. Angeline Kierkels, CEO of Meerlanden:
"Together, we have taken responsibility and found a smart solution that contributes to a more efficient process for the entire waste processing chain. This initiative not only helps to reduce the risks of nitrous oxide canisters but also ensures that waste processing remains as cost-efficient as possible."

Since the nitrous oxide ban on January 1, 2023, the number of nitrous oxide canisters in waste has increased significantly. These canisters explode during the incineration process, causing severe damage to AEB Amsterdam’s incinerators.

At the nitrous oxide facility, municipal waste will be shredded, allowing any nitrous oxide canisters to be removed or neutralized. Two refurbished shredders, previously used in AEB's separation facility, will be deployed for this purpose. Additionally, AEB has acquired a third backup shredder to ensure operational continuity.

AEB Amsterdam and Meerlanden call on Minister Van Weel (Justice and Security) and State Secretary Jansen (Public Transport and Environment) to take swift action and implement a structural solution. Until then, 1,800 tons of municipal waste and 1,250 tons of commercial waste will be inspected weekly for nitrous oxide canisters at the AEB facility.

End of press release.