These situations rise to the level of health hazards. I cathc a lot of flack for it as well, but I have had to live with this kind of neighbor in the past. I have to live with the destablilization of my property's value. I had to keep my kids from playing in our own backyard--all summer long--because I couldn't risk their getting bit by rats. With rights come responsibilities.
GASP - what a shocking concept. It's too bad that more people don't understand that. :-)
I lived in a small city that charged outrageous rates for garbage pick-up and huge add-on fees for extra bags and cans. It was no surprise that many people (especially tenants) hoarded garbage in the yards or garages rather than be charged prices they could not afford to haul it away. The city had a terrible pest problem --- duh.