A recycling centre was evacuated after a huge military tank shell was dumped there.
The device was put in a non-recyclable waste container.
The person who took it in left before staff could speak to them.
People were evacuated while police removed the item safely.
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No-one was injured, officials said.
It happened at the centre in Ivybridge, Devon, as reported by, Need To Know.
Devon County Councillor Jacqi Hodgson slammed the person who left the shell.
“Why would you think it is okay to put a tank shell in a skip and walk away,” she 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 of World War Two munitions in Exmouth and Plymouth caused evacuations.
“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.
“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.”
A recycling centre in Dorset was evacuated last year after a WWII shell was found there.
It was found near Dorchester Household Recycling Centre in May.
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