The invention relates to the field of medicine and pharmaceutics, namely to vessels intended for collecting and subsequently disposing of medical waste. A universal container for medical waste comprises an outer container made of strong material, and an inner container intended for placement inside the outer container and made of biodegradable material. Here, in the upper end surface of the outer container there is at least one loading device containing a cylindrical body, fully or partially covered by a needle-remover partition. The loading opening of the outer container is provided with a lid. The inner container is configured in a shape complementary to the shape of the outer container, and is provided with a lid. One side of the outer container is removable for installing the inner container during collection and for access to the inner container for the removal thereof. Simplified use, increased reliability and broadened functional capabilities are achieved.