A routine Monday morning at the Burbank Recycle Center turned tense after workers discovered a suspicious device and called police, city officials said. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Arson and Explosives Detail was dispatched to the facility at 500 S. Flower Street, and authorities emphasized there was no immediate threat to the public. Workers and nearby residents were asked to avoid the area while investigators examined the item.
According to NBC Los Angeles, officers reported the device at the recycling facility and requested the county's Arson and Explosives team to ensure it was safe. The outlet reported that officials had not released additional details while the response was underway.
The City of Burbank has dealt with a similar scare at the same location before. In a City of Burbank news release, officials noted that on Oct. 28, 2025, an object that "resembled a hand grenade" was found on a conveyor belt at the recycling center. That device was examined and rendered safe by county investigators. The city also used the incident as a reminder that explosives, ammunition, and other hazardous materials should never be tossed into household trash or recycling, and that the origin of that earlier device was still under investigation.
Why recycling lines can surface dangerous items
Recycling facilities handle mixed loads from homes and businesses, and every so often, something shows up that should never have been there in the first place. Items like batteries, fireworks, or ammunition can pose serious risks when they hit sorting equipment. California's Department of Toxic Substances Control warns that household hazardous waste should not go into the trash or recycling at all and should instead be dropped off at a proper collection site, according to DTSC.
How to dispose of hazardous items and where to get updates
Burbank's Public Works website offers a "Where It Goes" tool with details for the Burbank Recycle Center at 500 S. Flower St., including drop-off hours and contact numbers for disposal questions. For local disposal options and recycling guidance, residents can check the city's online resources at Burbank Public Works. City officials say anyone who encounters suspicious material should call 9-1-1, and for non-emergencies, the Burbank Police Department can be reached at (818) 238-3000.
