Chewing Gum
The Gum Problem - Think Before You Spit
Chewing gum is an ever-growing problem in the local environment. Public areas in Britain are plagued with millions of pieces of chewing gum which do not decompose, are unsightly and are a potential risk to pets and wild animals.
Our streets and public areas are speckled with discarded chewing gum from individuals who have failed to use the bins provided by the Council.
Dropping gum onto pavements and in public places is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act, Section 87 with the offence carrying a maximum penalty of up to £2,500, or you may receive a fixed penalty notice.
Think before you spit and use one of the bins provided or wrap it up and take it home!
Facts
ENCAMS 
national research has shown that the largest proportion of people who chew gum and litter are aged between 13 and 24.
13 million sticks of gum are chewed daily in Britain alone.
Laid end to end, the sticks of gum produced by Wrigley’s every day would stretch from Glasgow to Plymouth.
Discarded chewing gum swallowed by wild animals and pets can lead to suffocation.
Discarded chewing gum in public places and on pavements is difficult and costly to remove. It is also unsightly and detracts from Poole’s natural beauty.
Our gum removal service
We have a gum removal service, which removes the mess that chewing/bubble gum leaves on our streets. Highly used pedestrian areas are a priority for our team including Poole Town Centre and Ashley Road.
If you know of an area in Poole that is badly affected by gum, please use our report it facility.
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