Sharps disposal

Abstract

A sharps disposal unit of the present invention includes a cover and a disposable container upon which the cover rests. The cover includes a drop slot in its top surface, a baffle sloping downwardly from an edge of the drop slot, and a heated well which holds a supply of a melted sealant which will solidify upon cooling. The disposable container has a top surface with a flap in it and preferably has accordioned walls. The flap is hinged along a hinge line and is pushed downwardly by plates in the cover to open the container. A peel-off label is removably, applied to the flap. The flap, when opened, form a second baffle below the cover baffle which slopes in an opposite direction of the cover baffle. A closure (such as a tie) is provided to hold the flap closed when the container is full, and it is time to dispose of the filled container. The sealant encases needle tips to reduce the possibility of sticks by used needles and can be drawn into the hollow shaft of used needles; the container flap reduces the possibility of sharps falling out of the container if the container is dropped; and, the double baffle system reduces the possibility of someone reaching inside of the unit and gaining access to the needles. The peel-off removable label reduces the amount of germs which contact the flap. Upon removal of the label, the container flap (and hence the outside of the container) will be substantially free of germs which would otherwise be deposited in the container by the sharps deposited in the container.