Stamping out a sticky problem

18 September 2006

Freshers aren’t the only new faces at the University of Plymouth this week, with the institution launching a £30,000 initiative to help keep the campus clean.

‘Gummy Bins’* – the world’s first chewing gum recycling system – are being introduced to the campus on Tuesday 19 September as part of Freshers’ Week, making Plymouth the first university in the UK to invest in the facility.

It is anticipated that the bins, bought by the university for £3,000 and designed in the shape of a teddy bear’s face, will go some way towards tackling the waste problem that has been a major factor in increasing the University’s cleaning bill.

John McMahon, the University’s Cleaning Services Manager, said: “Each year we spend a considerable sum removing chewing gum from paving slabs and other surfaces. With the University investing millions of pounds in student facilities, including the newly expanded Students’ Union building, we want students and staff to take pride in the campus and help us keep it clean. The money saved on cleaning can be ploughed back into enhancing the students’ experience.”

Keeping surfaces gum free is just one part of the campaign. The University is also introducing recycling stations to the campus – rolling out 28 over the coming months. These mini stations, part funded by the University’s Centre for Sustainable Futures, will enable staff and students to recycle paper, cardboard, plastic and tin.

* Gummy Bins are produced by Gummy Bins Ltd, which was formed to address the problem of chewing gum waste. The system has a patented cartridge system, which means a large volume of used chewing gum can be stored in a relatively small unit, without clogging of any kind. Chewing gum can be recycled and used as surfaces for sports grounds.

For more information, please email: publicrelations@plymouth.ac.uk.

Notes to Editors:
Students and staff will be promoting the campaign at the Freshers’ Fair on the Plymouth campus on the morning of Tuesday 19 September. To arrange attendance, please contact the PR Office (details above).

About the University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth is consistently ranked as one of the top five modern universities in the UK and is a national leader for teaching excellence. This achievement has helped it to secure an extra £33 million in funding over the next five years. It is the only university to have been awarded nine prestigious National Teaching Fellowships* and also demonstrates research of both national and international excellence.

With around 30,000 students (including those who study at partner FE colleges within the University of Plymouth Colleges faculty) it is one of the largest universities in the UK – and proud to retain its reputation for friendliness. With a track record of 'widening participation', business partnerships and vocational courses, it has a high rate of graduate employment and is committed to improving the student experience, demonstrated by significant investment in new facilities. For further information go to: www.plymouth.ac.uk.

* Including one with the Peninsula Medical School