Sharps Instrument Disposal

Abstract

A disposal system for sharps, such as contaminated needles or syringes, comprising a container for receiving and storing the sharps. A sharp instrument is inserted through an entry opening. When the sharps within the container have reached a certain level, a coagulant is poured into the container. This coagulant hardens and encompasses the sharps. This process can be repeated at intervals until the container is full. The lid is then closed and the container ready for disposal in a landfill or some other appropriate location.

1 . A disposal system for sharps, comprising:
 a container defined by a top, a bottom, and a side wall;   an entry opening located at a top of said container into which sharps are inserted; means for separating sharps located at a periphery of said entry opening to remove said sharps from their original holders; and   a coagulant, which is poured into the container and hardens to encompass any sharps within the container.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The disposal system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said coagulent has disinfectant properties. 
     
     
         5 . The disposal system as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a lid which is pivotally attached to the container, for covering said opening, and sealing the contents within. 
     
     
         6 . The disposal system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the top wall of said container is made of transparent material to facilitate visual inspection of level of contents. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The disposal system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said coagulant is selected from a group consisting of epoxy, latex, polymer and gypsum.