Abstract: A portable medical waste processing system and method includes a processing device and a medical waste container. The processing device has an enclosure with a housing and a lid, with at least one heater, a control system, a filtration system and a cooling system inside the enclosure. The control system regulates the temperature of the heater and time of the process cycle. The filtration system prevents noxious odors emanating from the container during the process cycle. The cooling system prevents heat build-up inside the enclosure and also ensures that the sides of the enclosure do not exceed harmful temperatures. The portable medical waste processing system melts syringes and sterilize needles, lancets and infectious waste that are placed in the medical waste container that is inserted into the heater. The system identifies and responses to short and long term power interruptions.