a disposal system for used and possibly contaminated needles , scalpels and other medical devices , commonly referred to as &# 34 ; sharps &# 34 ;, comprises a device for safely transporting the devices and a disposal container . the disposal container is provided with a one - way valve for controlling access to the interior of the container . the one - way valve is preferably a paddle wheel having at least one vane mounted in an opening in a wall of the container . in use the medical device is placed on a vane of the paddle wheel and the paddle wheel rotated to drop the device into the storage container .