Tank shell shut downs recycling centre

No one was hurt

Ivybridge recycling centre had to be evacuated earlier today (20 January) after the discovery of a tank shell. 

The site was shut down for an hour once the device was found in a non-recyclable waste container, with the person responsible leaving without speaking to staff. 

Facilities across Devon have previously faced closures due to the discovery of suspicious and potentially dangerous items, including unexploded ordinances, marine flares, old ammunition, and containers holding unknown chemicals. 

Each incident necessitates the involvement of emergency services, causing considerable disruption to public use. 

Residents' Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member responsible for waste services, said:

“Once again, we’ve had to close a centre because someone has tried to dispose of something that looked suspicious.

“These avoidable closures waste the valuable time of emergency services, our staff, and cause inconvenience to the public.

“This is particularly frustrating given that only last week the discovery World War Two munitions in Exmouth and Plymouth caused evacuations. Given this, why would you think it is okay to put a tank shell in a skip and walk away?

“Please, if you’re clearing out old belongings, please consider whether an item could be misidentified as hazardous.

If there’s any doubt, speak to staff first - don’t just throw it into a bay. Items such as flares, fireworks, or ammunition must never be brought to our recycling centres.”

A list of what you can take to the tip can be found here.