Wakefield Council has taken decisive action to address the persistent issue of chewing gum litter in Pontefract and surrounding areas.
With the support of a £16,344 grant from the Chewing Gum Task Force, the council is working diligently to remove gum stains from pedestrian zones and encourage residents to dispose of their gum responsibly.
A targeted approach to cleaning streets
In recent weeks, teams from Wakefield Council have been busy cleaning the streets of Pontefract, focusing on areas most affected by discarded gum. The council’s commitment to improving the cleanliness of public spaces is evident in their ongoing efforts, which will soon extend to other towns within the district. The funding from the Chewing Gum Task Force has been instrumental in equipping the council with the necessary tools to combat this sticky problem.
The importance of responsible disposal
Councillor Jack Hemingway, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the need for public cooperation in maintaining clean streets. He stated, “I’m grateful that this grant has helped us to clean up some of the streets that have been worst affected by discarded gum. Ideally, we wouldn’t need to clean it up in the first place, so let’s work together to stop the issue at its root. Everyone should throw their rubbish and used chewing gum in the bin.”
Nationwide effort to combat gum litter
Wakefield Council is one of 54 councils across the UK that successfully secured funding from the Chewing Gum Task Force, a scheme established by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and administered by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. The initiative aims not only to remove existing gum litter but also to prevent future occurrences through targeted behaviour change.
The task force, funded by major chewing gum manufacturers such as Mars Wrigley and Perfetti Van Melle, is a significant investment in the long-term cleanliness of public spaces. Over five years, up to £10 million will be allocated to support councils in their efforts to clean up gum-stained pavements and educate the public on proper disposal.
Success stories from the task force
The impact of the Chewing Gum Task Force has been noteworthy. In areas that received funding during the first year, monitoring by the social enterprise Behaviour Change revealed a significant reduction in gum littering—up to 60% in some locations—within the first two months following clean-up and the installation of preventive signage. Even six months later, the reduced rates of gum littering were still evident.
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, highlighted the importance of the task force’s dual approach, combining clean-up efforts with public education.
“Chewing gum litter is highly visible on our high streets and is both difficult and expensive to clean up, so the support for councils provided by the Chewing Gum Task Force and the gum manufacturers is very welcome. However, once the gum has been cleaned up, it is vital to remind the public that when it comes to litter, whether it’s gum or anything else, there is only one place it should be – in the bin – and that is why the behaviour change element of the task force’s work is so important.”
The high cost of gum litter
The scale of the chewing gum litter problem in the UK is significant, with estimates suggesting that the annual clean-up costs for councils amount to around £7 million. Additionally, a startling 77% of England’s streets and 99% of retail sites are tarnished with gum stains. The efforts of Wakefield Council, supported by the Chewing Gum Task Force, represent a crucial step towards reducing these numbers and preserving the cleanliness of public spaces.
Looking ahead
As Wakefield Council continues its work in Pontefract and other areas, the success of these initiatives will depend heavily on public cooperation. By disposing of chewing gum properly and supporting the council’s clean-up efforts, residents can contribute to a cleaner, more pleasant environment for everyone.
For more information on the Chewing Gum Task Force and the ongoing efforts to reduce gum litter, visit the Keep Britain Tidy website.
