a sharps disposal container comprising a container including a cover having an opening formed therein for receiving sharps . an emitter and detector are mounted on the container with the emitter being oriented for projecting a beam toward the container . reflectors are positioned in the container for receiving the beam from the emitter , projecting the beam across the container and from side to side at a predetermined level and for projecting the beam to the detector . an indicator or alarm is connected to the detector for providing an indication when the level of sharps in the container is sufficient to interrupt the beam . the indicator may include a counter for counting the number of sharps placed in the container .