Hypodermic needle destruction

A method for processing a used hypodermic needle, the used hypodermic needle having contained within, or on the surface thereof one or more dangerous materials, liquids, or pathogens, the method comprising:

• pre-heating a containment cylinder (118) in a housing (112) with a heater (300) surrounding said containment cylinder to vaporize the liquids prior to application of an axial compressive force to the needle (2);
• inserting the used hypodermic needle into said housing (112), said housing comprising:
• an aperture (114) leading to said containment cylinder (118) for receiving, and constraining the needle (2) within said containment cylinder;
• contacting the used hypodermic needle near a first end with a first electrode (16);
• contacting the used hypodermic needle at a sharp end with a second electrode (20);
• providing a first current to flow in the used hypodermic needle (2) using one or more of a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or a custom integrated circuit, operable to cause said first current to flow in the needle (2) between said first (16) and second (20) electrodes to vaporize liquids contained within or on the surface of the needle, and providing a subsequent second current whereby said second current causes the needle (2) to soften and wherein the second electrode (20) is arranged to move within the containment cylinder (118);
• and
• providing an axial compressive force to the needle (2) along an axis of the needle.