A scheme to trial 100 new chewing gum recycling bins in Cardiff has been launched this week (6 August), to stop people dropping chewing gum on the streets.
Cardiff Council, The Wrigley Company Ltd, environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, and bin manufacturer GUMDROP, have joined together to develop a new pilot scheme for GUMDROP bins across the city centre and key district shopping centres.
The trial will be funded by chewing gum company Wrigley and is scheduled to last six months.
The council hopes that the GUMDROPs will make it easier to dispose of used gum, and help to keep Cardiff’s streets cleaner.
First initiative to recycle gum
Thought to be the first initiative in the world to divert chewing gum away from landfill for recycling, the bubblegum-pink GUMDROP receptacles collect used chewing gum, and, when full, are recycled in their entirety with other plastics and converted into more bins. The recycled gum can also be used to create other products, such as mobile phone covers.
Cardiff is not the only place to see the arrival of GUMDROPs; last year Southampton Airport became the first airport in the world to welcome the gum recycling bins, as it installed 25 GUMDROP receptacles in its terminal building.
They have also been installed at Legoland Windsor and at selected Virgin Trains-managed stations.
According to GUMDROP, around 935 million packs of chewing gum are consumed in the UK every year, but only 10 to 20 per cent is disposed of in a litter receptacle.
Speaking about the scheme, Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Ashley Govier said: ”Chewing gum waste is one of the usual suspects of litter that we have been targeting in our zero-tolerance campaign of the same name as it is very costly to remove from the street and creates a terrible impression in the city.
“GUMDROP bins are a great idea and will greatly enhance the options for people who need to get rid of their gum. The fact this waste can be recycled by GUMDROP is a fantastic bonus and hopefully it will prompt people to think before they drop.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in trying to eradicate this problem from Cardiff's streets and this trial will form part of a coordinated strategy of education, innovation and enforcement that is ongoing in our battle to take down the Usual Suspects. I will watch this enterprising trial with great interest.”
GUMDROP creator, Anna Bullus added: "Working together with Wrigley, Cardiff Council and Keep Wales Tidy, Gumdrop is delighted to be at the forefront of tackling the problem of gum litter. We believe that changing a small habit can make a big change to our environment and we welcome the people of Cardiff to join us in our effort.”
Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs at Wrigley, Siân O'Keefe said that encouraging behaviour change is the “only long-term and sustainable solution to the problem of littered gum”, adding that Wrigley is “totally committed to tackling this issue.”
Read more about GUMDROP bins.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.