A Birtley man who told magistrates that he "buried his head in the sand" was fined for leaving rubbish in a back lane.
Ryan Foster, of Mitchell Street, pleaded guilty to depositing controlled waste without a permit.
Jill Brown, a solicitor for Gateshead Council, said that officers following up complaints from neighbours found 15 bags of rubbish in the lane behind the 27-year-old's home.
"February this year the council enforcement team received complaints about an accumulation of waste at Mitchell Street," she said.
"On a site visit an enforcement officer saw 15 black bags of rubbish and found a card that contained his (Foster's) details.
"In an interview he advised he had waste that needed to be removed and he told his friend to do it.
"He put his bags in the rear lane because he wanted to be able let his dog out."
Foster told magistrates at Gateshead Law Court that he had been struggling with his mental health, and admitted he "buried his head in the sand".
He said: "I have been suffering with my mental health, my head hasn't been there.
"I have buried my head in the sand. I am responsible for my actions and I will do better in the future. I'm in a better place."
Foster was ordered to pay a total of £653, which is made of a £320 fine, £301 towards costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
