Making inroads into chewing gum litter

Chewing gum is very popular around the world with billions of packs of gum being sold, and the UK reported to be the second highest consumer. People chew gum for all types of reasons from freshening breath to using it to kick another habit, like smoking. However, if a piece is discarded onto the ground instead of placed in the bin, that’s where the problems arise. Litter is bad enough, but a single piece of chewing gum can spoil the effect of business premises or a public setting. Once it's been trodden on a few times it quickly becomes ugly and very unwelcome litter. 

Why are our streets are covered with discarded gum? The traditional method of pressure washing to remove gum is generally carried out at night as areas have to be closed off. This means that the general public – including the people dropping the chewing gum – don't often realise the huge amount of effort that goes into removing it.

Eco Removal Systems specialise in manufacturing chewing gum removal machines, so on a daily basis I visit sites that have got issues with discarded gum. Some of this gum has been there for many years as chewing gum is made from polymers which are synthetic plastics that do not biodegrade. Discarded gum on the ground is not only an eyesore it also makes the area look very unclean. 

There are a variety of machines on the market that can remove chewing gum, from machines that require outsource power and water supplies to portable machines.

Our Ecogum range for example is a highly portable machine in a lightweight backpack that not only removes gum in seconds but also allows the operator to remove gum from any area. This work can be carried out around the public, creating a greater awareness of what is involved. 

Some local authorities brand their own machine, with the council’s logo and a slogan, to increase PR coverage. This, along with a social media campaign, can really highlight what the council is doing to remove gum, raising public awareness of the problem and encouraging more positive behaviour.

I do believe it is so important to really highlight the work that goes into removing the sticky adversary from the floor and importantly to keep reminding people it is litter so put it in the bin!