Gum Litter Taskforce Campaign 2011 – 2014

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., has announced the renewal of the negotiated agreement between the Department and the Chewing Gum Industry for the three year period (2011 – 2014). The initiative aims to build on the success of public awareness campaigns and education programmes to date and introduces several new elements to help raise awareness of the impact of gum litter and encourage proper gum disposal. The agreement represents a significant commitment by industry over a three year period and includes new agreed mechanisms to further enhance and reinvigorate the campaign.

Local authority participation

We will invite local authorities to participate in the campaign. This involves organising a campaign launch and other initiatives in return for resources provided in their local area by the GLT.

The GLT campaign will be rolled out through a variety of media formats such as television advertising, national and regional radio advertising, 48 sheet posters, six-sheet posters, commuter cards and bus T-sides. 48 sheet ad-van advertising also runs during specific events.

The following councils took part in the 2009 campaign: The city councils of Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Cork, County Councils of Cavan, Carlow, Cork, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Donegal, Fingal, Galway, Kilkenny, Kerry, Laois, Limerick, Leitrim, Longford, Monaghan, Mayo, Offaly, Roscommon, South Dublin, Sligo, South Tipperary, Wexford, Waterford and Westmeath. Tralee and Ennis Town Council are also participating in the programme.

Role of the GLT

The GLT will provide campaign information and support the selected local authorities by providing:

1. Paid-for poster advertising and local radio advertising in some areas.
2. A GLT website with interactive advertising and on-line games for the general public. In addition it will feature a dedicated section for local authorities containing campaign posters / materials for download.
3. Merchandising for the local authority campaign.
4. Media support in the form of press releases as well as assistance with media correspondence.
5. Cleaning of agreed monitoring areas for the purpose of campaign evaluation.
6. The introduction by the chewing gum industry of responsible disposal messaging on national television advertising.
7. The phased introduction of a more visible responsible disposal message on their chewing gum packaging

Local authority role and responsibilities

In return for their support of the programme, participating local authorities will need to commit time to the campaign by taking on the following responsibilities:

1. Take the lead role in planning, launching and implementing the GLT campaign in their area.
2. Carry out a campaign boost during the campaign.
3. Highlight the litter fine through stronger enforcement by litter wardens.
4. A total of 50% of local authorities that participate will be required to monitor 3-5 locations which will be 10m² each (three locations for chosen towns, five for cities). This will involve carrying out on-street gum litter monitoring surveys following training by the GLT (The GLT will fund the cleaning of the monitoring areas for the purpose of campaign evaluation).
5. Carry out initiatives to tackle littered gum on an on-going basis during the campaign e.g. school visits and incorporate the campaign message in your local authority awareness raising and education activities and in your contacts with local media.
6. Provide regular progress reports to the GLT with regard to the campaign progress in your local authority area.
7. Ensure that all posters provided are erected in local public buildings.
8. Ensure that GLT merchandising supplied is handed out to raise awareness of the campaign and encourage people to dispose of their chewing gum responsibly.
9. Raise interest in the campaign among the local community (e.g. TidyTowns committees and youth groups).

GLT application form

To apply for a place on the GLT awareness campaign, please complete and return your application form to the address provided below by the 14 November 2011. Alternatively, please email your form to Carla Timoney at carla.timoney@ibec.ie or fax your completed form to 01 638 1575.

Please click on the link below to download an application form
Application form

If you have any enquiries please contact the above at Tel: 01 605 1575.

F.A.O Ms. Carla Timoney
Gum Litter Taskforce Executive
IBEC
Confederation House
84-86 Lower Baggot Street
Dublin 2