New Hanover County is now offers two new permanent drop boxes that give residents safe new options to dispose of expired, unwanted medications.

The initiative is a local effort to keep drugs off the street, prevent overdoses and accidental poisonings and avoid environmental contamination, county health department officials said.

Items that can be placed in the secure drop box include non-narcotics, narcotics, over the counter medicines, herbals and veterinary medications, according to a news release.

Items that should not be placed in the box include needles or sharps and biohazard materials.
The two permanent drop boxes are located at the sheriff’s office in the front desk lobby of the county jail, 3950 Juvenile Center Road in Castle Hayne; and in Room 201 of the county historic courthouse, 24 N. Third St. in downtown Wilmington.