A dumping problem deep in Limestone County has neighbors concerned and demanding action.
They've got some help, but as 25 News found, the trash problem won't go away easily.
Eight miles past the Limestone County landfill, neighbors say another "unofficial" dump seems to have popped up on their doorstep.
Folks living at County Roads 440 and 436 say they have to deal with a problem people in town don't have to.
"We're pretty well patrolled, and so it's a little bit harder for people to illegally dump, but there's not that many places in town where you can do it and get away with it," explained Groesbeck Police Chief and City Manger Chris Henson
He says Limestone County and it's two major cities take illegal dumping seriously.
How seriously? A first offense in Groesbeck will run you $254 plus court costs. In Mexia, you'll pay more like $275.
That's for a first offense and doesn't include court costs.
"It almost pushes the problem out into the county, because it's a lot easier to slip out there and dump your materials and not get caught," said Chief Henson.
Limestone County Sheriff Dennis Wilson could not be reached for comment, but his office said the county also charges top dollar for illegal dumping.
On Halloween evening, 25 News found a can of motor fuel additive, a piece of plastic siding, a piece of insulation, a beer can, and plenty more.
Neighbors recently met with county leaders to talk about the problem, and the County recently helped with a cleanup to prevent a bigger problem.
"When you get out into the county, a lot of times they'll dump near a creek bed or a river and that causes problems on its own, so it's just not a good thing to do," Chief Henson said.
Officials say the trash can pollute the water for miles downstream.
So Chief Hansen has this advice:
"Stop doin' it. It's worth the money to take it to a proper disposal site," he said.
Republic Services operates the Limestone County landfill and can collect and dispose of any kind of trash safely.
After all, nobody wants a dump at the end of their driveway.
