Gum Litter Taskforces takes to the Streets of Ballyjamesduff

On the 4th of July, the Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) took to the streets of Cavan to promote positive gum litter disposal. As part of its Summer Roadshow campaign, the GLT collaborated with Cavan 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.

GLT has seen gum litter reduce by almost 70% 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% of all litter, continuing a downward trend in gum as a component of litter from 26.4% in 2006, and 9.1% in 2021, the end of the previous three-year cycle.

However, according to the latest research 1 in 12 admit that they still drop their gum on the ground – with men more than twice as likely to do so than women.

Welcoming the campaign back to Cavan, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr John Paul Feeley said “We are delighted to welcome the Gum Litter Taskforce to Ballyjamesduff. It’s a great initiative that generates awareness of the negative impacts of gum litter in a fun and engaging way. As a Council, we are committed to working with campaigns such as the Gum Litter Taskforce, that promote responsible litter disposal behaviours and result in cleaner communities.”

Launching the campaign in Mayo last month, Minister of State with responsibility for Circular Economy, Alan Dillon praised the continued success of the initiative, “Since 2007, we have seen clear, measurable change on our streets thanks to the work of the Gum Litter Taskforce. 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.”

Avril Donlon, Gum Litter Campaign Manager at Food Drink Ireland, added “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.”

Anne Sheeran, Corporate Affairs Manager at Mars Wrigley, added “The Gum Litter Taskforce continues to prove what’s possible through strong partnerships and community-focused messaging. By connecting with younger audiences and reinforcing positive behaviour, we’re not just cleaning up streets – we’re helping to create a culture of personal responsibility.”

This year’s GLT campaign also includes a school roadshow, ‘Bin It!’, which will travel to primary and secondary schools across the country from October. See www.gumlittertaskforce.ie for more information and resources.