The UK chewing gum market is worth over £200 million, yet most brands contain plastic (labelled as ‘gum base’ made with the same stuff used for glue and tyres). Doctors are not fans of chewing gum, saying over-use can lead to jaw pain, headaches, diarrhoea and tooth decay.
Gum is lethal to pets, birds and wildlife if licked, due to sweetener xylitol. As most gum is littered on streets, it’s so important to pick it up (there should be pack warnings).
It’s not true that chewing gum stays in your stomach if you swallow it, but you should not swallow it all the same. Same with bubble gum (even more of a choking hazard if a child blows bubbles).
The main reason why people chew gum is to freshen the breath. Far easier to drink more water, give up smoking and press a slice of cucumber on the roof of your mouth for 90 seconds and press on it with your tongue (nature’s instant breath-freshener!) Do not use gum if you have fillings or dentures.
Gum Litter Is More Than Just Annoying
Chewing gum left stuck to pavements, benches, and public areas is a common sight, but it’s more than just a nuisance. The sticky mess causes headaches for councils and local businesses, who often spend thousands each year trying to get rid of it.
Unlike natural waste, most chewing gum is made from plastic compounds that don’t decompose. This means the gum lingers for years, clinging to surfaces and making streets look dirty.
In Singapore, it’s illegal to chew gum unless prescribed by a doctor or dentist.
The Cost and Effort Behind Gum Removal
Cleaning gum off public spaces is not a simple task. Special tools like steam cleaners and chemical solvents are needed to soften the gum before it can be scraped away. This process eats up a lot of time and money.
Often, teams have to revisit the same spots regularly, as gum keeps appearing in busy areas. These costs add up, taking funds away from other important community services.
Councils are responsible for clearing it up on public land and private landowners (including shops) are responsible for cleaning it up on public land. If they don’t (no matter who dropped it) you can report it at Fix My Street and councils can serve litter abatement orders.
Plastic Gum Doesn’t Go Away
Chewing gum is mostly plastic, making it incredibly tough for the environment. Unlike food waste, gum doesn’t melt or break down quickly. Instead, it stays on pavements and other surfaces, slowly collecting dirt and becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. This plastic content also adds to urban pollution, sticking in cracks and joints where water and insects get trapped.
Risks for Wildlife and Pets
Dropped gum brings real risks to animals too. Many gums contain xylitol, a sweetener that’s harmless to humans but highly toxic to dogs, cats, and some wildlife. If animals eat discarded gum, even a small amount of xylitol can cause severe illness or worse.
On top of that, birds and small creatures can mistake gum pieces for food, risking choking or digestive blockages.
Chewing gum litter is more than just an unsightly problem; it costs money, damages the environment, and threatens animal welfare. Understanding this makes it easier to see why preventing gum litter is so important for everyone.
Ask Councils to Install Gumdrop Bins
The Gumdrop Bin is an ingenious invention by a Brighton designer. The bright pink ‘ball-shaped bins’ take gum that is then sent off when full to make into new gum bins.
The company also makes personal gum bins that once full, you can download a freepost label to send it off, and get discounts on new ones. Collectively, the company is saving clients (including schools and offices) over £1 million in cleaning bills.
One full bin contains 500 pieces of gum (enough to make 3 new bins) and can be permanently mounted to the wall or posts in shopping centres, football stadiums, public toilets, bus stops and train stations, supermarkets, car parks, theme parks, cinemas, pubs and anywhere else.
Just sign up to receive your Gumdrop bins and a welcome pack within days. The bad news is that in some trials, people have inexplicably been ripping them off posts to take home as souvenirs.
What’s Exactly in Chewing and Bubble Gum?
It’s quite concerning that millions of people chew on gum, not realising what the ingredients are. So let’s take a quick look at what the main brands are made from:
Wrigley (owned by the massive multi-national brand Mars) is the world’s largest chewing gum brand. Like most gum brands, it was originally made from chicle (latex) but now is more plastic and xylitol. It owns nearly all the main brands, which are a mix of pet-lethal xylitol, aspartame (an artificial sweetener) and sorbitol (which can cause laxative effects, in large amounts).
Words of wisdom: Never take laxatives and sleeping pills at the same time! Yoga teacher Steve Ross
Hubba Bubba (bubble gum) contains corn syrup (a non-natural alternative to sugar) aspartame (cause artificial sweetener), BHT (a lab-made preservative that is medically used to treat genital herpes) and artificial dyes including blue lake 1 (linked to all kinds of issues) and yellow lake 5 (a dye that you remember was removed from fish fingers and orange squash, for sending children off the wall).
Switch to Organic Mints Instead
Copy your grandpa, and carry a tin of organic mints in your pocket. Does the same thing, tastes better and won’t give you jaw ache! Max’s Organic Mints (The Netherlands) and Vermints (US) are two good brands.
How to Easily Remove Stuck-on Gum
The simplest method is to rub the gum with ice (or freeze the item, then use a spoon or paint scraper to remove. Alternatively, heat white vinegar and use an old toothbrush to soften (you can sprinkle bicarbonate of soda to fizz and dissolve stubborn gum). Canned air (used to clean in-between computer keys) is also good.
To remove gum stuck in your hair, cover with olive oil (or peanut butter – not near dogs or they’ll lick your head!). Wait a few minutes, and it should come out easily, then wash your hair.
Help Others Stop Littering Gum
Stopping gum litter isn’t just about what you do with your own gum. It’s also about inspiring the people around you to do the same. When we share simple truths and encourage responsible habits, we multiply the effect and protect our streets, parks, and pets even more.
Share Simple Facts About Gum Litter
Most people don’t realise how much damage a small piece of gum on the pavement can cause. You can help by telling friends, family, and neighbours what’s really at stake:
- Most gums contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs, cats, and wildlife if ingested.
- Gum sticks to surfaces and takes years to break down because it’s made from plastic.
- Removing gum costs thousands each year in public clean-up efforts, money that could be spent on other projects.
- Gum litter creates dirty, unhygienic spots in public places and can trap insects or small animals.
Keep these points clear and simple when you talk to people. Sharing these facts helps others see gum litter as more than just a mess; it becomes a community concern that everyone can help fix.
Encourage Friends and Family to Use Proper Disposal
Sometimes people just don’t think about where their gum ends up. You can help by making reminders part of everyday conversations:
- Suggest carrying a small piece of tissue or disposable container for gum if bins aren’t nearby.
- Mention gum drop bins whenever you see one and explain their purpose.
- Lead by example and always dispose of gum properly yourself.
A little nudge from someone you trust can make a big difference. Friendly reminders work better than criticism, so keep things positive and supportive.
Organise Local Clean-Up and Awareness Campaigns
Community spirit is a strong tool in changing habits. Getting involved in local clean-up events or setting up a small group to focus on gum litter can help raise awareness fast. You could:
- Volunteer for a local park or high street clean-up day.
- Team up with schools or community centres to organise talks or poster campaigns about gum litter.
- Work with local councils or organisations who want to reduce litter and get support for gum disposal bins.
Community help shows everyone that gum litter isn’t just ignored or accepted but is something people care about and want to fix.
Use Online Resources to Learn and Share More
If you want to dig a little deeper or find useful materials like posters, factsheets, or social media posts, many websites and local councils offer free information. Sharing these resources on your social feeds or in community groups keeps the conversation alive and helps spread practical tips. Here are a few ideas to look for:
- Local government websites for litter campaigns.
- Environmental charities focused on waste reduction.
- Pet safety groups warning about the dangers of xylitol.
Sharing facts and helpful advice online reaches beyond your immediate circle and can inspire others far and wide to join the effort.
Conclusion
Simple habits like using gum drop bins and choosing better alternatives help stop gum litter before it starts. These small actions protect pets from toxins, keep public spaces clean, and reduce plastic waste in our environment.
Each choice matters and adds up to a safer, tidier community for everyone. Start making these changes today and share these tips with friends and neighbours to keep our streets fresh and free from sticky messes.
