Abstract: A series of wall units are provided, each including a pivoted, lockable panel and each including an upper opening in which the edges of a basket supporting the top surface of a thermoplastic liner. This top surface includes a convolved opening through which medical debris is collected onto a thick thermoplastic bottom insert, the liner being periodically removed from the basket and heated in the course of sterilization to melt the top and bottom surfaces around the debris.

Abstract: An autoclave for sterilizing used medical equipment and compacting same for disposal comprising a sealable receptacle lined with a thermoplastic liner wherein the liner forms an interior region for receiving used medical equipment. The sealable receptacle is provided with a hydraulic ram for compressing and crushing the equipment contained in a thermoplastic wrap. Thus the medical discards are compressed into portable capsules which then may be discarded in landfills. The hydraulic ram includes controls for automatic cycling of the compression and ejection strokes and the autoclave itself is provided with a steam inlet means through which steam is injected into the liner both to soften the liner and to sterilize the debris before compression. The ram actuation may be coupled to a recorder which records the sterilization temperatures and may include interlocks and clock limits to preclude injury to the operator.