Gum litter awareness campaign aims to stick

A CAMPAIGN aimed at changing people’s behaviour towards gum disposal has been launched. 

Dublin City Council’s 2017 Gum Litter Awareness Campaign (Bin It!) is running in conjunction with the National Gum Litter Taskforce Campaign.

It was recently launched by Minister for Communications, Climate Change and the Environment, Denis Naughten.  

Dublin City Council’s Waste Management staff handed out free gum wraps to passersby at the launch in St Stephen’s Green. 

This is the city council’s third year running the campaign with “huge success to date”.  

“The public’s behaviour in disposing of gum litter responsibly has improved dramatically,” the city council said. 

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Lord Mayor of Dublin Brendan Carr, said: “There has been a noticeable reduction in the amount of gum litter on the streets since the campaign first started three years ago. 

“It is obvious the Gum Litter Awareness Campaign is working to educate people in changing their behaviour in disposing of their gum.” 

Bernie Lillis, Litter Prevention Officer at Dublin City Council, said they are mindful that awareness should start at a young age. 

“We plan to visit schools again during the coming months to bring the awareness message to pupils,” said Ms Lillis. 

“People are now more aware of the environmental impact of dropping gum on the street so they dispose of their gum appropriately and therefore, do not risk a litter fine of €150.”