Recycling centre to reopen after suspected WWII ordnance found

Wessex Water's facility in St Georges Road was also evacuated

The suspected WWII device
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 9th May 2025

Dorchester's Recycling Centre is expected to reopen this morning (9 May) after a suspected unexploded ordnance was found.

Wessex Water's facility in St Georges Road was also evacuated yesterday after the discovery.

Yesterday, they said it was 'unlikely' to reopen for the whole of Thursday.

Bosses added: "Potentially explosive ordnance (believed to be a WW2-era anti-tank round, pictured) has been discovered at the scrapyard next door.

"Therefore, the two neighbouring sites - our HRC and Wessex Water's facility - have been evacuated as a safety precaution while the police investigate.

"We expect the HRC to reopen at 9am tomorrow (9 May) but we'll provide an update if that isn't the case.

"Thank you for your patience and understanding."

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