The Chewing Gum Task Force grant scheme provides grants for local authorities to purchase specialist chewing gum cleaning equipment and/or increase street cleansing. The fund aims to clean up historic gum staining and change behaviour so that people don’t drop their gum in the first place.
The funding can be used to undertake chewing gum cleaning in streets, town centres, train/bus stations, parks and/or other public spaces. This can include purchasing, hiring or repairing equipment and/or cleaning materials, staffing costs, training and trials of innovative cleaning equipment or techniques.
Waste collection or waste disposal councils or unitary authorities can apply for grants up to £27,500. Councils proposing to purchase a single piece of cleaning equipment costing more than £27,500 excluding VAT, may apply for an increased grant of up to £30,000.
2026 is the fifth year of the scheme. Successful local authorities in previous rounds include Exeter City Council, Mid Devon District Council, North Devon Council, South Hams & West Devon Council and Teignbridge District Council. Councils can re-apply to the fund but must have submitted the project-end evaluation form for any previous grant.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Grants for local authorities to remove chewing gum from streets and pavements and to encourage behaviour change to prevent future chewing-gum staining
Application deadline:
13 March 2026
Fund description:
https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/professional-services/chewing-gum-task-force