HAINES CITY, FL — Illegal dumping in northeast Polk County has increased despite the county launching a pilot program aimed at addressing the ongoing problem. As a result, county commissioners have voted to end the program early after officials reported low residential participation and mounting operating costs.
According to Polk County officials, the Northeast Landfill Customer Convenience Center, located at 4001 Bannon Island Road in Haines City, will permanently close on Dec. 31, 2026.
The program launched on June 1 to provide residents with an affordable alternative for disposing of bulk trash while reducing illegal dumping throughout northeast Polk County. However, officials determined the program was not achieving its intended goals.
Polk County Solid Waste Director Brian Cogswell told commissioners that closing the facility early would prevent further taxpayer losses and allow equipment and cleanup crews to be redirected to areas where they could have a greater impact.
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to end the program ahead of its originally projected one-year timeline.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, residents needing to dispose of bulk items and tires must use the North Central Transfer Station at 3131 K-Ville Avenue in Auburndale.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY COMMUNICATION DIVISION
