The incident happened Tuesday morning at the Burbank Recycling Center off Flower Street near the 5 Freeway, according to the Burbank Police Department.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Arson and Explosives Detail responded and eventually determined that the device did not contain explosive material.
No injuries were reported. It's unclear where the device came from.
Burbank police said this serves as a reminder that explosives, ammunition, or any type of hazardous materials should not be tossed with household trash or commercial recycling bins.