I have no problem with someone living like this if they have a forty acre spread out in the country, where such an accumulation of trash really won't affect neighbors.""
Even forty acres won't give this a pass.
Rodents, West Nile Virus, Hanta Virus, all are a problem with accumulation of trash. Not a good thing for anyone within miles of this person.
We have a similar problem less than 8 miles from me. County actually sued them, and LOST. Says alot about the ability of the county DA. Anyway, the refuse and surrounding problems are grotesque. A real eyesore, and county AG agent has had to take deputies there to "discuss" with the owner the problems. Does wonders for the surrounding property values.
Excellent points--you're right about the spread of rodent-borne diseases especially.