A sharps collection system includes a container and a tray. The tray conveys medical waste from a drop area to a storage area in the container. The tray includes a proximal-most edge, a distal-most edge opposite the proximal-most edge, and an acceleration zone between the proximal-most edge and the distal-most edge. in addition, the tray includes one or more features that perform one or more of the following functions: (1) accelerate movement of waste out of the drop area and into the storage area, (2) minimize the effects of adverse conditions, such as moisture or sticky surfaces on the tray that impede or prevent movement of waste, and (3) expedite the return of the tray from a drop position to an equilibrium position to receive waste more readily.
