A man in Lakeland, Florida, has been charged in connection with the illegal dumping of waste tires following an investigation by the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Jeffrey Padgett, 39, was taken into custody Jan. 24 on charges related to the trafficking of fentanyl, along with other drug-related crimes.

Polk County investigators later alleged that Padgett unlawfully disposed of "a staggering 3,000 waste tires" on an older relative's property without their permission.

The charges resulting from that investigation include felony dumping, two counts of failure to obtain a Department of Environmental Protection permit, and creating a nuisance injurious to health.

Dumping is not only against the law in most jurisdictions, but it can also lead to serious environmental consequences — in addition to being a public nuisance that often unfairly impacts the community at large.

Piles of trash disposed of in public places such as the middle of a street are not only unsightly but can also attract harmful pests that spread disease, on top of potentially leaching toxins into surrounding areas.

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Problems caused by the illegal disposal of waste can compound if local officials ignore these events or take action too late, which is why it's crucial to report instances of unlawful dumping to the relevant authorities promptly.

In most areas, improperly disposing of trash is punishable by a hefty fine, further underscoring the serious threat this activity poses to public health.

Contacting your sanitation center or taking action by joining local cleanup crews not only contributes to a cleaner future but also mitigates the impact of behaviors such as illegal dumping that deface natural environments and put others at risk.

Participating in efforts to restore shared spaces and beautify local spots will empower your community and protect the health and safety of everyone who lives in it.