a receptacle for liquid medical wastes including an open top vessel having a bottom , an integral upstanding wall defining an upper flanged rim , a lid adapted to cover the open top of the vessel in sealing engagement with the flanged rim , a recess defined preferably centrally of the lid and including an opening through the lid which is disposed centrally of the recess , a closure flap anchored at one of its ends to the top surface of the lid at a spaced apart location relative to the recess and being adhesively attachable to the top surface of the lid and in covering relationship to the recess , and means for releasably anchoring the receptacle during its use in a theater of medical operation . the receptacle is formed from incineratable material , such as recycled plastic materials . in one embodiment , the vessel contains liquid absorptive material .