People who live near the Bushnell landfill in Sumter County say they have been smelling strong odors and feeling sick. Many have reported headaches, nausea, coughing, and trouble breathing. These issues have gone on for months, and neighbors are becoming more worried about how the landfill may be affecting their health and their community.
This blog post explains what is happening at the landfill, why the situation matters, and what families can do if they are being affected.
What’s Going On at the Bushnell Landfill in Central Florida
The City of Bushnell recently sent a warning to Heart of Florida Environmental, the company that runs the landfill. The city says the company could lose its operating permit if it does not fix several problems within 30 days.
Officials say the landfill has broken important rules. One major issue is that foul odors are leaving the landfill property and spreading into nearby neighborhoods. These odors can be a sign that gases from rotting trash are escaping into the air.
According to reports from WUFT News:
- The landfill could have its permit revoked if it does not act quickly.
- Losing the permit would stop operations until the facility meets safety standards again.
As of late 2025, the landfill remains open but is operating under a corrective action plan and faces potential permit revocation if it fails to meet updated deadlines. This is happening at the same time as the company is trying to expand the landfill, which would allow more trash to be dumped there. Many residents in Sumter County strongly disagree with this plan. They want the current problems fixed before any expansion is considered. They worry that a bigger landfill will mean stronger odors, more toxins, and more risks for their health.
How Landfill Odors in Florida Can Affect Your Health
At first, a bad smell may seem like nothing more than annoyance. But odors from a landfill can show that harmful gases are in the air.
When garbage breaks down, it creates several gases, including:
- Hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs and can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and eye irritation.
- Methane, which has no smell but can make breathing difficult in high amounts because it reduces oxygen.
- Other gases that can irritate the throat, nose, and lungs.
People living near the Bushnell landfill have shared that:
- They cannot open windows or spend time outside.
- Their children wake up with headaches or coughs.
- Some feel sick whenever the smell gets stronger.
While these symptoms can seem minor at first, they may be signs of long-term exposure to toxins, which can be dangerous over time.
Environmental and Community Concerns in Sumter County
The landfill has been running for a long time, but recently more neighbors have reported bad odors. This has caused concerns about whether the landfill is being managed the right way.
City officials also said the smell is drifting outside the landfill’s property and reaching nearby homes. This raises worries about whether the landfill is following safety rules designed to protect the public.
There are also concerns about:
- Air quality, if gases continue to escape.
- Water and soil contamination, if the landfill is not properly sealed and monitored.
- The leachate evaporator, a machine used to treat dirty liquid from the landfill. Some residents believe it is contributing to the strong smells spreading across Sumter County and even into parts of Orange County.
Residents and environmental groups are asking for more testing and stronger oversight. They want air and water samples taken more often to check for harmful chemicals.
The Push to Expand the Bushnell Florida Landfill
Despite the ongoing violations, reports say that Heart of Florida Environmental, a company affiliated with Waste Connection, is currently seeking permits to expand the landfill. That has upset many people who live nearby.
Residents feel that if the company can’t control the bad smell now, adding more trash will only make the odor stronger. They also worry that a bigger landfill will mean more trucks, more noise, and more pollution in their neighborhoods.
The decision to approve the landfill’s next 60-acre expansion is currently under review by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, while Bushnell and Sumter County officials are providing oversight and monitoring compliance.
What Central Florida Residents Can Do About the Landfill Problem
If you live near the Bushnell landfill and are noticing strong smells or getting sick, it’s important to speak up and protect yourself. Here are some steps you can take:
- Document the problem.
Keep a simple journal of when you smell odors or feel unwell. Note the date, time, and how strong the smell is. This information can help prove a pattern.
- Report your symptoms.
Contact local health or environmental agencies such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to report strong odors or health concerns. They can take samples and check whether toxins are in the air.
- See a doctor.
If you’re feeling sick, especially with headaches, nausea, or breathing problems—talk to a healthcare provider. Ask if your symptoms could be related to environmental exposure.
- Stay informed.
Follow city updates, WUFT News reports, and community meetings about the landfill’s permit and expansion requests. Knowing what’s happening helps you make better decisions for your family.
- Seek legal advice.
If you or your loved ones are suffering health problems possibly linked to the landfill, you may have legal options.
How Our Florida Law Firm Can Help Affected Residents
At Vargas Gonzalez Delombard, LLP, we are investigating claims from people in Sumter County who believe they are getting sick from landfill toxins.
Our team has years of experience handling:
- Class action cases
- Property damage claims
- Pollution-related health issues
We represent families in Florida, Texas, New York, Illinois, Missouri, and Colorado. We help people stand up to large companies like Waste Connections when their actions cause harm.
If you think the landfill has affected your health, we can explain your options and help you pursue compensation. We offer free consultations to anyone who is impacted.
Standing Up for a Safer Central Florida Community
No one should have to live with strong odors, fear getting sick, or worry about their property losing value because of poor landfill management. The situation in Bushnell shows how important it is for residents to speak out and take action.
When the community raises its voice, it forces companies and regulators to fix problems and follow the rules.
If you or your family are experiencing health issues that may be linked to the Heart of Florida Environmental landfill, contact Vargas Gonzalez Delombard, LLP today. We are here to help you take the next step toward a cleaner, safer future.
