Gum Litter

Bin your gum when you’re done!

The disposal of chewing gum is a major problem for local authorities. 

We have partnered with the Gum Litter Taskforce to promote behaviour change among gum droppers. 

We need to create a cleaner area for residents, visitors, and businesses. 

The Gum Litter Taskforce is focused on changing disposal behaviour. This is the cause of gum litter. 

The initiative aims at reducing litter and create a sense of community responsibility and pride in maintaining a clean environment. 

There is a €150 fine for littering.

Launching its sixth cycle, the Gum Litter Taskforce reports that: 

• 92% of people now report properly disposing of their chewing gum, a record high. 

• 85% of 16–34-year-olds now view littering as socially unacceptable. 

• Men remain more likely than women to improperly disposed of chewed gum. 

• GLT has seen gum litter reduce by almost 70% since 2007.

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. This highlights the continued importance of the campaign. 

The GLT took to the streets of Athenry in May 2025 to promote positive gum litter disposal. As part of its Summer Roadshow campaign, the GLT collaborated with Galway 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.

Research from the Gum Litter Taskforce 2024 Campaign Report