Limerick raise rubbish awareness with Gum Litter Task Force Roadshow
The Gum Litter Taskforce made a stop in Limerick to promote responsible gum disposal, cleaner communities and greater awareness of Ireland's transition to a circular economy.
Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) have welcomed the Gum Litter Taskforce Roadshow, which promotes cleaner communities, gum disposal and a circular economy.
The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) made a stop in Limerick on Thursday, July 2, as part of its 2026 Summer Roadshow, promoting responsible gum disposal, cleaner communities and greater awareness of Ireland's transition to a circular economy.
The visit comes as research from the Gum Litter Taskforce reveals that littering is now viewed as socially unacceptable by more than 4 in 5 (82%) young people. However, almost 1 in 4 young people still do not regard chewing gum as litter, highlighting the need for continued education and awareness.
More than 9 in 10 people (92%) now report properly disposing of their chewing gum; the highest level recorded since the campaign began in 2007.
Welcoming the campaign, Mayor John Moran explained that keeping Limerick clean requires a "collective effort".
"Campaigns such as the Gum Litter Taskforce help raise awareness of the impact of littering while reducing the need for costly gum removal works. 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," Mr Moran said.
Príomh Chomhairleoir at LCCC, Cllr Tom Ruddle, said the council is "committed to ensuring Limerick’s streets and public spaces are clean, vibrant and enjoyable for everyone".
"Gum litter can have a significant impact on the appearance of our city and is costly to remove. Campaigns such as the Gum Litter Taskforce help raise awareness and encourage simple actions that make a real difference in keeping Limerick looking its best," Cllr Ruddle explained.
Director general at LCCC, Dr Pat Daly, added that "maintaining a clean Limerick" is a "priority" for the organisation.
“Clean streets, parks and public spaces create a welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Gum litter is one of the most persistent forms of litter and can detract from the appearance of our city while also creating significant cleaning costs. Initiatives such as the Gum Litter Taskforce play an important role in encouraging responsible behaviour and helping us all take pride in maintaining a cleaner, more attractive Limerick," Dr Daly shared.
The Summer Roadshow will visit locations nationwide throughout June, July and August, while the Bin It! programme will return to schools in October.