Wastebusters has had some strange things donated over the years, but it was a first for the community enterprise to have to call in the army to help deal with an item.

On Saturday (September 28) a World War I grenade - the result of a good spring clean of a local’s garden shed - was dropped off, prompting swift action by Wastebusters staff when it was found among the resident’s donations.

“Fortunately it turned out that there was no explosive in the grenade, but no-one could ascertain that until the trained army experts arrived the following day to deal with it safely,” Wastebusters general manager Gina Dempster said.

Gina praised the quick thinking of front yard team member Simon McKenzie and the wider crew who quickly secured the grenade in a safe place away from customers and staff and involved the police right away.

Senior Constable Bruce McLean echoed the sentiment, saying “their actions were spot on, exactly right”.

“If there’s any risk to a person, be it from a bio hazard, an explosive, anything, give us a call. Don’t just turn up with it,” he said.

New Zealand Army personnel came to Wastebusters on Sunday (September 29) and confirmed the grenade as being a Mills 23 grenade from the early 1900s. Their assessment discovered that the grenade did not contain any explosives.

Wastebusters was able to stay open during the army visit, as the grenade was contained in the upstairs area at a safe distance from staff and customers.

“We are very grateful to the professionalism of both the Wānaka Police, and army personnel who responded and ensured the grenade was safely removed from our site,” Gina said.

After viewing Wastebusters’ CCTV footage, police were able to track down and speak to the resident.

Gina said Wastebusters has had items such as rabbit poison and ammunition dropped off before, but a grenade on site was a first.

“We’d encourage everyone who supports Wastebusters to join us in putting the safety of our staff and customers first,” she said. “If you want to clear out guns or weapons, please contact the police directly, and they’ll give you instructions on what to do.

“And if there’s something you’re not sure about that you’d like to donate or pass on, just give Wastebusters a call on (03) 443 8606.If we can’t accept it we’ll point you in the right direction.”

If unusual items are discovered here are the options for disposing of them safely:

• For explosives, guns or weapons, contact the Police on 105 (non-emergency) or 111 (in an emergency).
• For hazardous waste, including substances harmful to people or the environment, call the transfer station on 03 341 2092.
• For anything else check council’s A-Z Directory.

PHOTO: Wastebusters