An apparatus for removing a needle from a needle holder, including a graspingunit for selectively grasping the needle； a receiving unit for receiving theneedle holder,displaceably disposed relative to the grasping unit； a biasing member biasingthe receivingunit in a first direction； and separating means for separating the entireneedle from theneedle holder. Preferably, the needle is heated to melt, soften, or otherwiseweaken amaterial and/or adhesive connecting the needle with the needle holder.Preferably theheating is electrical heating, including completing an electrical circuitthrough the needleand passing current through the needle, and/or passing current through aheating element.
