A suspected grenade triggered an emergency response at Newton Abbot’s Brunel Road recycling centre last week when it was handed in at the site last week.

The centre was closed and evacuated on Wednesday, June 3 after staff made the discovery.

Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts attended the scene and removed the item for safe disposal.

Devon County Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member responsible for waste services, said:

“Once again, we’ve had to close a centre because an item that appeared suspicious was brought onto site.

“These avoidable incidents waste the valuable time of emergency services, disrupt our staff, and inconvenience the public.

“Items such as flares, fireworks or ammunition must never be brought to our recycling centres.

“Taking simple precautions helps keep everyone safe.

“I’d like to thank our site staff, the police and the Royal Navy for their swift response.”

Staff at Devon’s recycling centres have to be constantly on the alert for potentially dangerous items.

In January this year, Ivybridge Recycling Centre was evacuated after a tank shell was found. At other sites, staff have uncovered unexploded ordnance, marine flares, old ammunition and containers holding unknown chemicals.

Each incident requires a response from emergency services and disrupts site staff and visitors.

Residents are being asked to think carefully before bringing items to recycling centres that are old, unlabelled, or could be mistaken for something hazardous. If they have any doubts, they should speak to site staff.

There have also been cases of dangerous items being put into recycling banks. Teignbridge District Council said nitrous oxide canisters have been found recently in recycling banks located in Dawlish Warren.

A spokesperson said: “This is really dangerous for our waste transfer station staff.

“If you live or work near a recycling bank, and witness anyone placing these items inside, please contact us https://orlo.uk/umnqN

“We appreciate your help to stop this as soon as possible.”