The River Medlock and surrounding environment are part of what makes Park Bridge so special. But in recent weeks we’ve seen a sharp increase in fly-tipping, from single-use plastics and drug paraphernalia to a large duvet cover stuffed with old clothes that could have easily been recycled or donated.
This kind of dumping is not only unsightly, but it also damages our wildlife and environment, makes Park Bridge less welcoming, and costs the council and community valuable time and money to clear up.
Fly-tipping in Park Bridge: The negative impact it has
- Wildlife at risk: plastics and chemicals from dumped waste end up in the River Medlock and surrounding habitats
- Community impact: rubbish and litter spoil the natural and historic beauty of Park Bridge
- Cost to everyone: clearing waste drains resources that could be spent improving our area
Please help by reporting fly-tipping in Park Bridge
If you see fly-tipping or littering:
- Report it to Tameside Council: Report fly-tipping here
- Note the exact location and, if safe, take a photo
- If you witness someone dumping waste, do not approach them — but record vehicle details if possible
Every report helps stop fly-tippers and keep Park Bridge clean.
Fly-tipping hotspots in Park Bridge
The main problem areas for fly-tipping in Park Bridge include:
- Waggon Road lay-bys and bridge over River Medlock
- Alt Hill Lane closed section, by the planters off Waggon Road
- Entrance to Bright Shop
- Site of the Old Gas Works and entrance to site of former Top Forge
Remember: bins are available at key access points around Park Bridge. If bins are full, please take your rubbish home.
We are working with the local authority to update existing CCTV and install more CCTV in the hot spot areas.
A warning to fly-tippers
Park Bridge is not your dump. Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and offenders face serious penalties:
- Fines of up to £50,000
- Even imprisonment in the most extreme cases
We are committed to reporting all fly-tipping in Park Bridge. CCTV is in place and offenders will be prosecuted.
Tameside Council have one of the highest rates of prosecutions for fly-tipping in the North-West. In 2023/24, 236 fixed penalty notices were handed out to fly-tippers.
Be warned, even if you don’t personally dump your waste, you can still be prosecuted…
Avoid unlicensed waste collectors
Many fly-tipping cases start with people hiring so-called “waste collectors” on Facebook, Instagram and social media. If the collector is not licensed, your rubbish often ends up dumped in Park Bridge and other areas of natural beauty, and you can still be arrested, prosecuted and fined like this recent case of fly-tipping near Park Bridge on Twirl Hill Lane.
Always check if a waste carrier is registered with the Environment Agency before paying. Licensed collectors dispose of rubbish safely and legally.
You can check if a waste carrier is registered and licensed by visiting the UK Government’s Public Register of Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers here.
Where to dispose of waste properly
If you have bulky waste, old clothes, or household rubbish, use a local Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC).
Nearest sites:
- Arkwright Street Recycling Centre, Oldham (OL9 9LZ – approx. 3.5 miles)
- Bayley Street Recycling Centre, Stalybridge (SK15 1PZ – approx. 4 miles)
- Ash Road Recycling Centre, Droylsden (M43 6QU – approx. 5 miles)
Opening times (all sites):
- Monday-Sunday 8am-8pm
- Open 7 days a week (closed Christmas Day & New Year’s Day)
Together we can protect Park Bridge
By reporting fly-tipping, using bins responsibly, and taking waste to official recycling centres, we can protect Park Bridge’s community, heritage, and environment.
Let’s make sure Park Bridge remains clean, safe, and welcoming for residents, visitors, and wildlife.