Recycled chewing gum helps Northern out of a sticky situation

The specialist bins, which are themselves made from recycled chewing gum, are made by Gumdrop Ltd - a pioneering UK-based company that has developed a unique recycling solution for chewing gum waste.

Bins have been installed at: Barrow-in-Furness, Bolton, Buxton, Deansgate, Lea Green, Manchester Victoria, Newton-le-Willows, Salford Central, Salford Crescent, Ulverston, Warrington Central, Whitehaven and Wigan Wallgate.

Chewing gum deposited in these bins will be transformed into new, useful products like coffee cups, stationery and trainer soles using the GUM-TEC® compound.

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern in the North West, said: “Discarded chewing gum is an expensive and persistent issue for us. Its removal is a time-consuming process for our cleaning teams whose time could be better spent on the overall cleanliness and appearance of our stations.  

“These new Gumdrop Bins will provide our customers with a dedicated disposal point for their chewing gum and help ensure a cleaner environment for all rail users.”

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.