13/02/2026 by Eco Removal Systems 0 Comments

The Opportunity: Round 5 is Now Open

Revitalising Our High Streets: The 2026 Chewing Gum Task Force Grant

As the Chewing Gum Task Force enters its fifth landmark year, UK councils have a unique, time-sensitive opportunity to reclaim their pavements. With £27,500 in funding available per authority, the focus has shifted beyond mere cleaning to sustainable, long-term urban restoration.

At Eco Removal Systems, we understand that a successful grant application requires more than just a desire for cleaner streets - it requires a strategy built on Net-Zero compliance, innovative technology, and proven results. Whether you are looking to bring world-class equipment in-house or prefer a fully managed specialist service to handle the heavy lifting, the window for investment is now open.

With the March 13th deadline approaching, here is how your council can leverage this funding to boost civic pride and reduce annual cleansing costs.

UK councils are once again tackling chewing gum waste with comprehensive strategies that combine scheduled street cleaning, innovative technology, and public engagement.

The good news? The fifth year of the Chewing Gum Task Force grant scheme is officially open for applications. Administered by Keep Britain Tidy, this round offers grants of up to £27,500 for councils to purchase specialist cleaning equipment or boost street cleansing efforts.

With applications closing at noon on 13th March 2026, now is the time for local authorities to secure the investment needed to revitalise their high streets.

The Scale of the Challenge

Chewing gum litter remains a widespread urban challenge, costing UK taxpayers approximately £7 million annually in clean-up costs and the accelerated deterioration of pavements.

In the first four years of the scheme, a partnership between the government and major gum producers (Mars Wrigley and Perfetti Van Melle) has awarded £6.46 million to councils across the United Kingdom. This funding has already scrubbed more than 4.15 million square metres of pavement. Councils like Bradford and South Ayrshire have successfully deployed professional, eco-friendly machines to dramatically improve urban hygiene.

3 Key Pillars of a Successful Council Strategy

To win the grant, councils must demonstrate an integrated approach. Successful
applicants typically focus on:

1. Sustainable Technology:

Using battery-powered, portable gum removal machines (like those from Eco Removal Systems) that minimise water use, eliminate harsh chemicals, and reduce noise pollution.

2. Public Awareness:

Fully-funded prevention packages, including signage that prompts responsible disposal. Independent studies show these 'nudges' can reduce gum litter by up to 80% within months.

3. Net-Zero Compliance:

Leveraging biodegradable detergents and no-water technology to support councils’ broader sustainability goals and carbon reduction targets.

Why now?

This integrated approach doesn't just cut costs - it enhances civic pride and creates
welcoming, safe urban spaces that support the local 'Night-time Economy' and retail
footfall. With the grant window closing soon, councils must act fast to choose the
right technology partners for their bids.

Get a quote for your grant application

At Eco Removal Systems, we provide the cutting-edge, chemical-free equipment that
meets the high standards of the Chewing Gum Task Force. We can help you specify
the right machinery for your borough to ensure your application is robust and
effective.

Not looking to manage equipment? Leave it to the specialists

While the Chewing Gum Task Force grant is a fantastic way to bring technology in-
house, we understand that many councils and facility managers prefer a fully
managed solution.

If you would rather focus your internal resources elsewhere, Eco Removal Systems
provides a comprehensive, professional Chewing Gum Removal Service. By
partnering with us as your specialist contractor, you benefit from:

Expert operators: Our teams are fully trained in the most efficient, non-
destructive steam-removal techniques.

No capital outlay: Avoid the costs of equipment maintenance, storage, and
specialised staff training.

Rapid results: We can deploy multiple units to clear large-scale historic
deposits quickly, typically working out-of-hours to ensure zero disruption to
your high streets or shopping centres.

Documented success: We provide before-and-after reporting to help you
demonstrate the impact of the cleaning to stakeholders and residents.

Whether you want to own the technology or hire the experts to do the work for you, we have a solution that fits your budget and your timeline. Don't miss the March 13th deadline for the latest round of funding.

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