a device for safely removing contaminated needles from syringes without exposing medical personnel to unnecessary health risks . the device requires only one hand to operate ; medical personnel simply insert the syringe and press downwardly . the pressure exerted by the user causes disconnect gears to engage the collar of the needle and unscrew the needle from the syringe , at which time the needle falls into a container . the device includes means for forcing needles into the container when the rubber portion of an unscrewed needle gets &# 34 ; trapped &# 34 ; in the disconnect gears , and also includes means for preventing further disengagement of needles when the container cannot safely accommodate additional needles . also included in the disclosed device is an opening for receiving needles other than the type that can be disconnected by the gears . the container includes a recess for storing a permanent lid , which is applied to the device when the container is full and ready to be disposed .