Carelessly discarded chewing gum becomes trodden into our streets and pavements. Once trodden in gum is extremely difficult and costly to remove. It makes paved areas look grimy, dirty and generally degrades an area.
- The most effective way to tackle problems created by the irresponsible disposalof gum is to stop people from dropping it in the first place. This can be achieved through a combination of campaigning, education and enforcement.
- Chewing gum is not like other forms of litter in that it cannot be easily removed. Manufacturers must take responsibility for the problems that their product causes by promoting a strong, anti-littering message and supporting public awareness campaigns. Manufacturers must also make every effort to alter the properties of gum by reducing the length of time for which it persists and making it easier for local authorities to clean up.
- Keep Britain Tidy does not support a tax on gum because, at present, there is no evidence to suggest that it would solve the problems created by its irresponsible disposal. It may even indirectly cause other problems.