Every year, more than 250,000 tons of gum are wasted globally, with 80-90% of it improperly disposed of. Predictions suggest this number will rise to 1 million metric tons in the next 5 years.
Here's a breakdown of the gum waste issue:
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Quantity of Waste: Over 250,000 tons annually, projected to reach 1 million metric tons within five years.
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Composition: Gum is primarily composed of polymers or synthetic plastics, making it non-biodegradable. This means it persists in the environment for extended periods.
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Disposal Issues: A significant portion, 80-90%, isn't disposed of correctly, contributing to environmental pollution. This improper disposal leads to gum sticking to pavements, buildings, and other surfaces.
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Environmental Impact: Due to its non-biodegradable nature, discarded gum contributes to plastic pollution, harming ecosystems and potentially impacting wildlife.
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Economic Costs: Cleaning up discarded gum is costly for cities and businesses, consuming resources that could be used for other public services or investments.
Future Projections: The escalating volume of gum waste underscores the urgency of addressing this issue through improved disposal methods, biodegradable alternatives, and increased public awareness.
