Projectile event in Devon, Ivybridge Recycling Centre, Plymouth area, United Kingdom on Wed 21st January 2026

Warning to residents after tank shell find closes Ivybridge Recycling Centre 

We’re urging residents to take extra care when clearing out sheds, garages and lofts after Ivybridge Recycling Centre was closed and evacuated this morning (Wednesday 20 January) when a tank shell was discovered.

The device was found in the non-recyclable waste container and the person responsible left the site before staff could speak to him.

As a precaution the facility was evacuated and closed for around an hour while Devon & Cornwall Police removed the item safely. No one was injured, and the site has since fully reopened.

Recycling centres across Devon have previously had to close following the discovery of suspicious or potentially dangerous items.

Staff at other sites have found unexploded ordnance, marine flares, old ammunition, and containers holding unknown chemicals.

Each time this happens the emergency services have to be called, and it disrupts the public’s use of the facilities.

Residents are urged to think carefully before taking items to recycling centres, particularly if they are old, unlabelled, or look like they could present a risk.




    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.”

    She added: “This incident highlights how important it is for everyone to be mindful of what they’re bringing to our recycling centres. Even something that appears harmless could pose a serious risk. Caution keeps everybody safe.

    “I want to thank the site staff and police for their swift action.”