Watering cans and weed killer

Spreckly · Post by **Spreckly** » 23 Aug 2023, 14:32

I have a watering can in the garage which was last used with weed killer in it over five years since. I would like to use it for watering the plants, do you think it will now be safe to use?

Trev62 · Post by **Trev62** » 23 Aug 2023, 15:31

I use a backpack sprayer for all purposes, after using weed killer in it I just flush it through thoroughly, let it dry then use for what ever is next in line. No problems yet!

lancashire lass · Post by **lancashire lass** » 24 Aug 2023, 18:00

I have to confess that I only used one watering can dedicated for weed killer use (it was a red plastic one which made it more distinctive than the other green ones) but think if it was thoroughly rinsed out, it might be okay (perhaps target a plant / weed to test it first to give yourself reassurance it is safe)

I still remember having an empty bottle of glyphosate and before throwing it away had rinsed it and then tipped the contents on a clump of (unwanted) grass ... it surprised me that the weed killer was still active despite the bottle being empty for many years. Hence, the caution about testing first.

Spreckly · Post by **Spreckly** » 26 Aug 2023, 16:58

Thanks LL. The watering can has stood unused for at least five years.

Post by Mo » 27 Aug 2023, 08:52

Spreckly wrote: ↑26 Aug 2023, 16:58 Thanks LL. The watering can has stood unused for at least five years.

I think the problem might be that although any water diluting the chemical might have evaporated traces of the active chemical might remain, which is why LL's suggestion of rinsing and testing on something that doesn't matter is a good one.