Man fined after waste dumped on rural Ashton lane

A Worsley man has been ordered to pay clean-up costs after waste traced back to him was found illegally dumped in a rural area of Ashton.

Ainsley Meanock, of Simpson Grove, Worsley, pleaded guilty at Tameside Magistrates’ Court to failing in his duty of care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, after rubbish linked to him was discovered at Twirl Hill Lane on 15 April 2024.

Tameside Council initially issued Mr Meanock with a fixed penalty notice for the fly-tipping offence, but he failed to pay or respond to follow-up correspondence. After he also failed to attend court in January 2025, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was eventually detained during a police traffic stop in May and bailed to appear in court in July, although the hearing was later adjourned due to a family emergency.

Appearing in court on 29 August 2025, Mr Meanock claimed he was not responsible for the fly-tipping itself, but admitted to handing his waste over to an unlicensed waste carrier—thereby breaching his legal responsibility to ensure that waste is only transferred to authorised persons.

He also told the court he had not received the original fixed penalty notice due to moving house. The court ordered Mr Meanock to pay £415 in compensation towards the cost of clearing the waste, with payment due within 28 days.

Councillor Laura Boyle, Tameside Council Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods, said: "This case serves as yet another reminder that all residents are legally required to ensure their waste is disposed of responsibly, and we urge people to always make sure they use a licenced waste carrier to dispose of their waste.

"Fly-tipping is a blight on our communities - spoiling our local neighbourhoods and countryside - and we will always take enforcement action where we find evidence of those responsible."

In the 2023/24 financial year, Tameside Council issued 236 fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping, more than any other council in the North West. However, Cllr Boyle stressed that there is still more work to be done, and called on residents to play their part.

Residents are urged to verify whether a waste carrier is licensed by using the Environment Agency’s public register: https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers

Other recommended steps include:

• Recording details of the business and any vehicle used

• Keeping a record of checks made, including registration, permit, or exemption numbers

• Asking for a receipt including the business details of the registered operator

• Taking a copy or photograph of the waste carrier’s license or permit

Fly-tipping can be reported directly to Tameside Council through their website or contact centre.