Exterius is a Preferred supplier for the Keep Britain Tidy Chewing Gum Task Force
How We Support the Keep Britain Tidy Initiative
Chewing gum is still a huge problem across UK high streets
You see it everywhere. Outside shops, along pavements, right at the entrance to buildings. It builds up over time, leaving blackened spots and stains that make even well-maintained areas look neglected.
That’s exactly why initiatives from Keep Britain Tidy, including the Chewing Gum Task Force, have been introduced to help local authorities tackle the issue head-on.
But while funding and campaigns are a step in the right direction, the real challenge is getting the job done properly.
That’s where Exterius comes in, as a specialist provider of chewing gum removal services, we work alongside councils to turn funding into visible results with professional cleaning solutions without the need for additional investment in equipment or resources.
Why Councils Choose Exterius for Chewing Gum Removal
Chewing gum is not easily removed you need specialist tools and cleaning solutions. We make the process simple.
We already have everything needed to deliver professional chewing gum removal at scale. Meaning there’s no need for councils to invest in expensive machinery or additional resources.
No Need to Buy Specialist Equipment
Our service includes:
- Specialist gum removal machines
- High-temperature steam cleaning
- Professional-grade equipment designed for high-traffic surfaces
Maximise Impact Without Additional Equipment Costs
Rather than tying up budget in purchasing specialist equipment, councils can put funding straight into frontline cleaning where it has the greatest impact.
There’s no need for upfront investment we provide the equipment, expertise, and operational support required to deliver results immediately.
This allows local authorities to:
- Maximise cleaning coverage across high-footfall areas
- Deliver faster, more visible improvements
- Use remaining budget more strategically, including ongoing maintenance
It’s Not Just About Cleaning, It’s About Keeping Areas Clean
Removing chewing gum is only part of the solution. Without the right follow-up, the problem quickly returns.
That’s why behaviour change plays a key role in the wider initiative helping to reduce repeat littering and protect cleaned areas over time.
Where required, Exterius can support this by:
- Providing and installing signage in targeted locations
- Reinforcing campaign messaging in high-risk areas
- Supporting ongoing maintenance to preserve cleaning standards
A Cleaner First Impression Starts from the Ground Up
First impressions matter and chewing gum is one of the quickest ways to damage the look of a space.
Whether it’s a town centre, shopping area, or public walkway, clean surfaces make a noticeable difference.
With the backing of initiatives from Keep Britain Tidy and the hands-on support of Exterius, local authorities can finally get on top of the problem.
Grant funding available from Keep Britain Tidy
Exterius is a preferred supplier for the Keep Britain Tidy Chewing Gum Task Force.
Grant funding is available for councils and local authorities to clean the streets in your local area.
The applications are now closed but as a preferred supplier, Exterius is ready to get out there and tidy up our local towns and cities.
Working together to clean and prevent gum litter
The Task Force, established by Defra and administered by Keep Britain Tidy, is funded by major chewing gum producers (including Mars Wrigley and Perfetti Van Melle). These firms are investing up to £10 million over five years (2022 – 2026) to meet two key objectives:
- Cleaning up historic gum staining.
- Driving behaviour change to ensure more people bin their gum.
If you are a member of the council / local authority and have been awarded grant funding please contact us for a quotation.
Speak to Exterius Today
If you’re planning chewing gum removal works or looking to make the most of available funding, Exterius is ready to help.
Our team delivers professional chewing gum removal services across Coventry, the Midlands, and the UK with the equipment, experience, and flexibility to support projects of any size.
