Abstract: The present invention is a scalpel blade removal device comprising an opening in a wall defining a first blade guide, extending to a narrowing upward ramp bounded by left and right guide walls. A horizontal top ramp extends from the distal end of the upward ramp, bounded by left and right guide towers. A spring loaded notch device is adapted to lock behind a proximal end of a scalpel blade seated on a scalpel, where the scalpel is inserted in the opening and the blade edge is driven up the ramp to the top ramp. When the notch device is locked behind that end of the scalpel blade, the scalpel is pulled back, causing the scalpel blade to slide off the scalpel handle. A sharps container incorporates the removal device, a reinforced latch, a scalpel resting location, and needle cover removers.