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Glyphosate Chemical Compatibility

Storing Glyphosate? Start Here

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, essential for farmers, industrial weed control, and even home gardeners. It's known for its role in managing weeds in crops like corn, soybeans, and cotton, as well as maintaining clear utility rights-of-way and railroads. When storing glyphosate, it's crucial to understand the best practices to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Can you store it in a poly tank?

Yes, glyphosate is compatible with most common storage materials, including HDPE, XLPE, and polypropylene. These materials are standard for farmer-nurse tanks and bulk storage at co-ops and ag-retail sites. Avoid using galvanized steel, as it can corrode over time due to the surfactants in glyphosate formulations.

Watch out for galvanized steel

While glyphosate is generally stable and easy to store, it can cause slow corrosion in galvanized steel tanks due to the surfactants. This can lead to zinc runoff, which poses environmental risks. Opt for epoxy-coated steel or direct HDPE/XLPE tanks for long-term storage.

The safety that actually matters

  • Always use proper spill containment to prevent environmental contamination.
  • Ensure tanks are grounded and secured to prevent accidents.
  • Regularly inspect tanks for any signs of wear or leaks.
  • Follow EPA FIFRA guidelines for storage and handling.

Common questions

Can glyphosate be stored outside?
Yes, but ensure tanks are protected from extreme weather and have spill containment measures in place.
What should I do if my tank shows signs of corrosion?
Switch to a more suitable material like HDPE or XLPE, and consult with a professional for proper disposal of the corroded tank.
Is it safe to store glyphosate near other chemicals?
Yes, but keep it segregated from incompatible substances and follow all safety guidelines for chemical storage.

Glyphosate Chemical Compatibility storage tanks from OneSource

For glyphosate chemical compatibility storage, specify HDLPE_OR_XLPE rated to specific gravity 1.9. Verified, compatibility-matched options:

Confirm chemical compatibility and a ZIP freight quote with our team at 866-418-1777.

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Sources & References

All compatibility ratings, hazard classifications, and chemical identifiers on this page are sourced from authoritative third-party publications. Verify against the original references before final specification.

  1. PubChem Compound Database — entry for Glyphosate (CID 3496, CAS 1071-83-6). pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Library of Medicine / NCBI. Canonical chemical-identity reference.
  2. Snyder Industries Chemical Resistance Recommendations — system-of-construction guidance for polyethylene chemical-storage tanks at industrial ASTM 1.9 SG design rating. SNY-3041 Chemical Resistance Chart. Snyder Industries, current edition. Resin + fitting + gasket + bolt MOC matrix.
  3. Equistar Technical Tip — Chemical Resistance of Polyethylene — LDPE / MDPE / HDPE rating chart by concentration and temperature, distributed by Enduraplas. enduraplas.com (PDF). Equistar polyethylene resin chemical-resistance data, distributed via Enduraplas.
  4. NFPA 704: Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response. nfpa.org. NFPA 704 'fire diamond' health/flammability/instability/special-hazard rating system (0–4 scale).
  5. UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), current revision. unece.org/transport/ghs. GHS pictograms, signal words, and H-statement codes referenced in this guide.
  6. ASTM D1998 — Standard Specification for Polyethylene Upright Storage Tanks, current edition. astm.org. Cited as the design-specific-gravity standard (typically 1.9 SG) for industrial chemical-service polyethylene tanks.
  7. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards — occupational exposure limits, PPE, and IDLH data for Glyphosate. cdc.gov/niosh/npg. CDC / NIOSH chemical-specific occupational-safety reference.