Mayor of SDCC launches 2026 Gum Litter Taskforce 2026 Summer Roadshow.

To celebrate the partnership between SDCC and the Gum Litter Taskforce, SDCCs Mayor Councillor Pamela Kearns launched the first stop of the Gum Litter Taskforce's Gum Litter Education Campaign in Citywest Shopping Centre, urging all people to “Bin Your Gum When You’re Done!” The Gum Litter Taskforce 2026 Summer initiative promotes responsible gum disposal, cleaner communities and greater awareness of Ireland’s move to a circular economy.

Speaking at the first stop of the Gum Litter Taskforce 2026 Summer Roadshow, the Mayor noted " Keeping SDCCs streets, parks and public spaces clean requires a collective effort. Almost 1 in 4 young people do not regard chewing gum as litter, highlighting the need for continued awareness of the environmental importance of correct gum disposal. I would encourage everyone to become ambassadors for correct chewing gum disposal within their own communities, reducing the need for costly gum removal works. Small actions can have a significant impact and 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. Thank you to everyone involved in today’s event, and I wish the Gum Litter Taskforce every success as the roadshow continues across the country this summer. ”

The Gum Litter Taskforce has reported that littering is now viewed as socially unacceptable by more than 82% of young people and 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.”Encouragingly, more than 9 out of 10 people now report to properly dispose of their chewing gum – the highest level recorded since the campaign began in 2007 and a major shift in public behaviour. Educational resources are available at www.gumlittertaskforce.ie