Ireland sees 70% reduction in chewing gum litter since 2007
Ireland has achieved a 70% reduction in chewing gum litter since 2007, according to the Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT), the National Awareness Campaign to make gum litter an issue of the past.
The study from GLT, also shows that gum litter now accounts for only 8% of all litter compared with 2007, when the campaign was launched. The GLT National Awareness Campaign has ambitions to further build on the remarkable success and reach of the programme to date. The renewed campaign, which is funded by Mars Wrigley, will run for a fifth cycle until 2025 on the back of a remarkable 70% reduction in gum litter since the initiative first began in 2007.
The Gum Litter Taskforce has also increased knowledge of the fine associated with gum litter, with 81% of those surveyed after the campaign now aware of the €150 fine. However, just over one in four (27%) claim never to have dropped gum, highlighting the continued importance of this awareness and behavioural change campaign, particularly for future generations.
The Gum Litter Taskforce is working with local authorities across the country to promote greater gum litter awareness and education programmes in their areas, through the GLT annual roadshow, and visited Virginia, Co. Cavan this week, where elected members of Cavan County Council and members of the Council’s Waste Management Division helped them spread awareness of the importance of disposing of gum responsibly.
Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr John Paul Feeley, welcomed the progress made to date by the campaign. “Gum and all forms of litter are a terrible blight on our community. People need to realise that they have a responsibility to dispose of their own waste – be it gum, an empty bottle or a wrapper – properly. It is not the job of the Council or anyone else.”
“A 70% reduction in gum littering is a fantastic result and I applaud the Gum Litter Taskforce for facilitating this remarkable change in attitudes and behaviour. I have no doubt, with the support of the people of Cavan, we can continue to build on this successful campaign, and completely eradicate the blight of gum litter from our environment and our streetscapes,” said Cllr Feeley.
Announcing the return of the Gum Litter Taskforce, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth TD said “I’m delighted to announce the continued partnership of the Government and the Gum Litter Taskforce on the National Gum Litter Awareness Campaign, which has been the driving force in reducing gum litter in Ireland since it was first launched in 2007. What’s particularly pleasing to see is that the campaign continues to resonate with the people of Ireland, with each year seeing further positive changes in people’s attitudes and behaviour towards gum litter”.
“The success of the Gum Litter Taskforce demonstrates the forward-thinking, joined up approach of industry, local communities and local government that is necessary to further drive the objective of changing the public’s gum disposal behaviour. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to achieve further positive changes in litter reduction in our cities, towns and villages,” added Minister Smyth.
