Sticky Problem Solved

Small stick, huge problem!

In the UK, 20 million people consume more than 935 million packs of gum a year. Chewing gum is now a major public nuisance and once trodden on is an unpleasant experience and becomes an eyesore which blights virtually every street in the country. At Community Clean we have made chewing gum removal one of our highest priorities and have developed specialised techniques to deal with the problem. In the last 6 months alone, we have removed the equivalent of over 25 football pitches of gum!

Highly efficient removal

We recognize the importance of sustainability and as a result we utilize the Miraclean removal system. Ordinary jet wash systems use in excess of 22,500 litres of water per week; In comparison Miraclean uses just 200 litres per week, a massive saving of 22,300 litres!
With ordinary systems, the noise and the huge quantities of water required determines most of this type of work has to be carried out at night. However, using the Miraclean system we can work during the day, which is key in helping to raise awareness with the public. Whilst we take every care not to disturb bedding and jointing sand it is inevitable that some may be dislodged. Community Clean
ensures that the surface is reinstated and left in excellent condition.

Prevention better than cure

Community Clean always encourage protection, especially with newly laid natural stone, and there are two protective treatments we endorse. Magic Cote is a revolutionary treatment that prevents the gum from sticking to paving stones. When the treatment is applied a chemical reaction takes place and a semi-permeable membrane forms within the paving itself. As well as gum, the treatment also makes it easier for oil, grease, tyre marks, automotive fluids and carbon particulates to be removed, it also prevents staining from taking place. Community Clean are proud to be the approved distributor
and applicator for this product in the UK.

Joint Fix protects the pavers from staining with the added benefit of fixing and stabilizing the jointing sand. This is a resin based liquid surface and sand joint sealer, designed for flexible streetscaping construction and maintains the elasticity of joints. It can be applied on new or existing paving to reduce on-going maintenance costs.

Doing more than cleaning

As part of our comprehensive service, we can also organise open days and mail shots in partnership with our clients to help keep the public and surrounding shop owners fully informed. Recently, in the pedestrianised areas of the town centre, Bournemouth Borough Council have utilised these services with enormous success.

In addition, we assist local authorities with The Defra-chaired Chewing Gum Action Group to support their anti-chewing gum litter campaigns. Community Clean carry out monitored cleaning at selected sites to enable the councils to make the most of this opportunity to change behaviour by tackling irresponsible disposal of chewing gum.

This story was originally printed in the August/September issue of Local Government Executive.