How to Dispose Glyphosate Safely
5 Steps to Properly Store Herbicide

Glyphosate is one of the most popular garden chemicals used worldwide. Better known as Roundup, it harms living things and has put humans at an increased risk for adverse health effects and cancers.

Knowing how to dispose of Roundup containers safely can prevent harm to the environment and yourself.

Quick Summary

• Always read the pesticide label for disposal instructions.
• Contact your local disposal company for proper disposal when disposing of large amounts of Roundup. 
• Never reuse empty Roundup containers.
• Never store Roundup containers where they can freeze, and check the product label for storage instructions.
• When transporting Roundup containers for disposal, keep the chemical away from food and animals, keep it in the original container, and head straight to the disposal center once it’s loaded.

How To Properly Dispose Of Roundup Safely

Pesticides like Roundup can create toxic fumes, harm humans, harm fish or other wildlife, and the environment. Safe disposal of pesticide containers can prevent exposure.

Related: Monsanto Roundup Lawsuit

How to Dispose of Small Amounts of Roundup

Regarding minimal amounts of leftover Roundup, the best option is to avoid disposing of pesticides whenever possible.

Try to mix up only enough for the job, store excess Roundup for later use, or ask a neighbor if they could use it. Always read the pesticide label for disposal instructions.

However, you can also safely dispose of small amounts of unwanted Roundup by choosing a safe location and diluting it.

Secure locations for disposal include a gravel driveway or a rock garden. Mix Roundup with water before disposing of it with this method.

Avoid pouring Roundup anywhere near any drain, including a street drain or any other natural water source.

Related Article: Glyphosate Lawsuit Update

How to Dispose of Large Amounts of Excess Roundup

When disposing of large amounts of Roundup, call your local waste company, the Environmental Protection Agency, or the local health department to find out if your local community has a household hazardous waste collection plan to dispose of unwanted pesticides. 

To identify your local waste authority, you can search the internet or contact Earth 911 at 1-800-CLEANUP.

What to Do With Empty Pesticide Containers

Another critical factor in disposal is how to safely dispose of empty Roundup containers.

There are a few steps necessary to ensure proper disposal [1]:

• Rinse: Wash out the empty container with water. Ensure not to pour Roundup down any drain or source of water.
• Contact local recycling departments: Don’t assume you can dispose of the container with your regular trash. Reach out to your local authorities about how to recycle these containers.
• Never Reuse Empty Containers: Pesticide residues can contaminate new contents of the container and cause harm to you or the environment.

How to Properly Store Herbicide

Proper storage will ensure that it lasts as long as possible to avoid the need for disposal. Glyphosate can be stored for many years if done correctly.

For proper storage, follow these steps [2]:

• Do not store near heat or flame.
• Keep pesticides in original containers.
• Check the pesticide label for storage information.
• Do not store containers anywhere they can freeze. The minimum temperature the Roundup brand should be stored at is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If Roundup has been diluted, it cannot be stored for more than a few hours.

Tips for Transporting Chemicals for Disposal

When transporting the household hazardous waste or other hazardous chemicals for disposal to your local recycling agency, there are some key tips to follow [3]:

• Place containers in an area they won’t spill.
• Line the transport area or place the container in a plastic bin to prevent the chemical from spilling.
• Don’t put the chemical in your passenger seat.
• Keep the chemical in an area away from food and animals.
• Leave the chemical in its original container with the product label attached.
• Once the chemical is loaded, take it straight to the local waste company.

Reasons for the Recall of Glyphosate

There has been no recall of Glyphosate to date.

However, research has tied this weed killer to several cancers, including one called non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

In a 2019 study and risk assessment, researchers determined that high exposure to Glyphosate increased the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41 percent [4].

This chemical has been banned in over ten countries, including Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Germany.

At least 15 other countries have restricted its use [5].

Glyphosate should be banned because of its ability to cause cancers and other diseases.

“Glyphosate is absorbed quickly in plants. If the spray droplets have dried, you wouldn’t be able to get it off your skin even if you tried.”
– Dr. Todd Gaines, Professor of Molecular Weed Science at Colorado State University

What Is the Burden of Proof for a Glyphosate Claim?

If you have experienced health issues associated with Glyphosate, you may have a reason for legal action against the company through a product liability lawsuit.

Bayer may be liable for your illness or the death of a loved one from failure to warn customers of the product’s potential risks. To hold the company accountable, you must prove two key elements.

1. First, you will need to prove a history of exposure to Roundup. Whether it was used in your workplace commercially or has had ten or more dose uses on your lawn.
2. Second, you will need medical proof that you have been diagnosed with any of the cancers or other health issues that Glyphosate can cause.

Average Settlement

The average Glyphosate lawsuit settles for $5,000 to $250,000.

As of 2020, Bayer paid out a global settlement with thousands of plaintiffs who developed cancer or other health issues from Glyphosate and paid over $10 billion in compensation [6]. 

Related Articles:

• How Much Glyphosate Is Used In The US?
• Adverse Effects of Glyphosate

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our lawyers covered so far.

FAQs

How Do I Neutralize Roundup?

Roundup can be neutralized with water or ammonia. When using ammonia, leave the solution in the empty container overnight to break down the herbicide.

Is Roundup Toxic After It Dries?

Roundup is more toxic after it dries. The danger of dried Roundup becoming airborne is significant in high-traffic areas.

How Long Can Glyphosate Be Stored?

Glyphosate can be stored for up to 5 years in normal conditions. It should be stored in an area where it can’t freeze. 

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation with Our Lawyers

The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is an experienced team of lawyers that represent plaintiffs in lawsuits with Bayer. We handle individuals’ litigations nationwide. 

If you or a relative has developed health issues or cancer after becoming exposed to Roundup, contact us immediately for a free lawsuit evaluation.

You may be eligible to file a Bayer lawsuit, and our law firm can help.

References:

1. https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/safe-disposal-pesticides
2. https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g1921#:~:text=Keep%20containers%20tightly%20closed%20and,the%20manufacturer%20of%20the%20pesticide.
3. http://npic.orst.edu/health/disposal.html#:~:text=Tips%20for%20transporting%20pesticides%20for,in%20case%20of%20an%20accident.
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383574218300887
5. https://www.wisnerbaum.com/toxic-tort-law/monsanto-roundup-lawsuit/where-is-glyphosate-banned-/
6. https://www.npr.org/2020/06/24/882949098/bayer-to-pay-more-than-10-billion-to-resolve-roundup-cancer-lawsuits