Sticky issue, smart solution: Gum Litter Taskforce arrives in Leitrim

The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) took to the streets of Leitrim on Thursday, May 29, to promote positive gum litter disposal. As part of its Summer Roadshow campaign, the GLT collaborated with Leitrim County Council to promote the importance of proper litter disposal through fun education and awareness initiatives that highlight the negative environmental impacts of gum litter and draw awareness to the €150 gum litter fine. 

A collaboration between industry, government and local authorities, and funded by Mars Wrigley, this year marks the launch of the campaign’s sixth cycle. 

Welcoming the campaign back to Leitrim, Cllr Paddy O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Leitrim County Council said, “Leitrim County Council are delighted to welcome the Gum Litter Taskforce to Carrick-on-Shannon. It’s a great initiative that generates awareness of the negative impacts of gum litter in a fun and engaging way. 

“As a Local Authority, we are committed to working with campaigns such as GLT, that promote responsible litter disposal behaviours, and result in cleaner communities,” he added.

GLT have reported that 92 percent of people now report properly disposing of their chewing gum, which is a record high. 85 percent of 16 to 34 year olds now view littering as socially unacceptable, however, men remain more likely than women to improperly dispose of chewed gum.

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GLT has seen gum litter reduce by almost 70 percent since 2007, via a sustained public engagement and education campaign. According to the latest National Litter Pollution Monitoring System data, gum now accounts for just 8.6 percent of all litter, continuing a downward trend in gum as a component of litter from 26.4 percent in 2006, and 9.1 percent in 2021, the end of the previous three-year cycle. 

However, according to the latest research one in 12 admit that they still drop their gum on the ground – this highlights the continued importance of the campaign.

Launching the campaign last month, Minister of State with responsibility for Circular Economy, Alan Dillon praised the continued success of the initiative.

“I’m delighted to kick off another year of the Gum Litter Taskforce’s Summer Roadshow. Since 2007, we have seen clear, measurable change on our streets thanks to the work of the Gum Litter Taskforce,” Minister Dillon said.

“The consistent fall in gum litter shows that education and collaboration are driving real results. This is exactly the kind of behavioural change we need to build a cleaner, greener Ireland.”

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“We are delighted to be kicking off another summer of interactive roadshows. Each year, we continue to see the positive impact this campaign is having on communities across the country,” added Avril Donlon, Gum Litter Campaign Manager at Food Drink Ireland.

“It’s encouraging to know that our efforts are helping more people make the right choice when it comes to gum disposal.”

This year’s Summer Roadshow will make 20 stops across 17 counties. The GLT campaign also includes a school roadshow, ‘Bin It!,’ which will travel to primary and secondary schools across the country from October, and run an advertising campaign and website, with educational material available at www.gumlittertaskforce.ie.