Keeping Tipp clean - promoting proper gum disposal

Gum Litter Taskforce Roadshow visits county

Over four in five (82%) young people now say littering is socially unacceptable, but just three in five (61%) young people see gum as litter.

The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT), in partnership with Tipperary County Council, have visited the county as part of the 2026 summer roadshow, promoting responsible gum disposal, cleaner communities and greater awareness of Ireland’s transition to a circular economy.

The visit comes as research from the Gum Litter Taskforce reveals that littering is now viewed as socially unacceptable by more than four in five (82%) young people. However, almost one in four young people still do not regard chewing gum as litter, highlighting the need for continued education and awareness.

Encouragingly, more than nine in ten people (92%) now report properly disposing of their chewing gum – the highest level recorded since the campaign began in 2007.

Welcoming the campaign to Clonmel, Mayor of Clonmel Borough District, Cllr Siobhán Ambrose, said: “Keeping Tipperary’s streets, parks and public spaces clean requires a collective effort. Campaigns such as the Gum Litter Taskforce help raise awareness of the impact of littering while reducing the need for costly gum removal works. By encouraging people to bin their gum when they're done, we can all play a role in creating cleaner, more attractive communities and supporting a more sustainable approach to waste management.”

Avril Donlon, Gum Litter Campaign Manager at Food Drink Ireland, added: “This latest research shows real progress, with more young people recognising that littering is unacceptable and taking action. Our focus remains on making responsible gum disposal the norm and continuing to build on the positive behaviours we are seeing across communities nationwide.”

Anne Sheeran, Corporate Affairs Manager at Mars Wrigley, said: “We at Mars Wrigley are proud to support the Gum Litter Taskforce as part of our broader commitment to responsible business and sustainability. This campaign is delivering measurable change and helping to shape positive habits, with more people choosing to bin their gum and encouraging others to do the same. Through continued collaboration, we can build on this progress and further reduce gum litter in our communities.”

The summer roadshow has been visiting locations nationwide throughout June, July and August, while the Bin It! programme will return to schools from October.

Educational resources are available at www.gumlittertaskforce.ie.