Novant Health to host community medication disposal drive-thru

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Novant Health is inviting community members to safely dispose of unused and expired medications at an upcoming drive-thru event on Saturday, April 25.

The initiative aims to reduce the risk of accidental misuse, overdose, and environmental harm by encouraging residents to clean out their medicine cabinets and properly discard medications that are no longer needed.

The drive-thru will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two Wilmington locations: Novant Health New Hanover Medical Plaza and Novant Health Scotts Hill Outpatient Surgery Center.

During the event, staff will accept a wide range of items, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, syringes, and e-cigarette or vaping devices, provided that batteries have been removed.

Organizers say the event is designed to make safe disposal as easy and accessible as possible, with participants able to remain in their vehicles while dropping off items.

Improper disposal of medications—such as flushing them or throwing them in the trash—can lead to contamination of water supplies and pose safety risks in the home. Events like this one offer a secure and environmentally responsible alternative.

No registration is required, and the event is open to the public.