The Final Call: UK Councils Have Until March 13th to Secure Chewing Gum Task Force Funding
The Opportunity: Round 5 is Now Open
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 revitalize 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Contact us today for a professional quote and machine specifications.