Crowds line up for New Hanover County’s “Treasure Island”

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A new reuse program from New Hanover County drew a crowd on its opening day.

Treasure Island, an initiative from the county’s Recycling and Solid Waste Department, launched Saturday at its headquarters on Highway 421. The program gives unwanted household items a second life by offering them to the public for free.

Photos shared by county staff show a line forming at the entrance before the doors opened at 9 a.m.

The event runs on the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon. Visitors can select up to 15 items per household. The setup follows a yard-sale format and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sara Dousharm, education coordinator for the department, said attendees arrived with clear goals.

“It seems like people came in looking for specific items that they were able to claim, which is awesome, so I think a lot of people are really thrilled to see things finding new homes instead of going to waste.”

During the first event, staff stocked Treasure Island using items collected from the county landfill and recycling facility. No donations were accepted.

Starting next month, the county will begin accepting donations for future events. However, fabric items will not be allowed due to lack of climate control in the garage space.

The department tests all items to ensure they are in working condition before offering them to the public. Visitors are required to sign a liability waiver before taking anything home.

Treasure Island is located at 3002 Highway 421 North in Wilmington.