Hi Mat,
I don't think there's any problem with you testing yourself -you're not going to do yourself any harm physically. I guess you ned to be sensible about it and not get obsessed - if you post your readings on here you'll get some laymans feedback from us. You do need to speak to your healthcare professional of course, but having some numbers (your waking level) and your 2 hr level after your main meal of the day would be useful info for your next appointment.
As for disposing of sharps, my meter has the needle enclosed in plastic - but the strips for it are expensive (I get them on prescription). I don't know about cheap one that's available on ebay - perhaps someone else will chip in. Otherwise just put them in a box with a lid and ask for a sharps box at your appointment.