City Advises Proper Disposal of Boxwood Blight-Infected Plant Material

Our local recycling authority, RRRASOC, is urging residents to take extra precautions when disposing of any plant material infected with boxwood blight, a destructive fungal disease that affects boxwood shrubs and can easily spread to neighboring landscapes.

If boxwood blight is confirmed on your property, it is important to remove and destroy all infected plants and plant debris properly. To prevent further spread, residents should:

  • Place all infected plant material and debris into contractor-strength garbage bags.

  • Securely seal the bags and dispose of them in the regular trash cartdo not place them with yard waste.

  • If the trash cart is full, bags may be placed next to the trash cart or cans on collection day.

  • For clarity and safety, label the bags as “Boxwood Trash.”

Improper disposal of infected materials can contribute to the spread of the disease throughout the city and surrounding areas. Residents are encouraged to follow these guidelines closely to help protect the health of local landscapes and ornamental plantings.

For more information about boxwood blight, including identification and management tips, visit the Michigan Invasive Species website at: https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/id-report/disease/boxwood-blight