How Do You Get Rid Of That? Is Gum Compost-able?

Photo Credit: Flickr/herr_hartmann

I am not one who regularly chews gum but a few weeks ago I was at a conference where I ended up drinking too much coffee, which left my mouth with a not-so-fresh feeling.  My conference-mate just happened to have some gum which was a welcome relief.  As we were leaving though, we headed for the trash receptacle to dispose of it.  Knowing that I am a green consultant, he asked me if we should throw our spent gum in the garbage or compost.  I felt a little stumped.  I hate throwing things in the garbage if it is possible to do something else, but I equally hate throwing something into the compost or recycling if it doesn’t belong there.  I wouldn’t want to contaminate the batch, so to speak.

Of course I came home and searched all of my references to see what I could find.  And what I found is sad.  Not only is gum not compostable, it is also very difficult to break down.  We know this to be true as we walk through the streets and see old gum on the sidewalk.  And how difficult is it to get gum off the bottom of your shoe? 

Gum is also one of those substances that is a danger for wildlife.  When birds, mammals or marine life get a hold of a chewed piece of gum, they don’t know that they shouldn’t eat it.  Chewing gum can stick to their digestive track and cause unnecessary harm, even death.

So the best thing to do is to not chew gum.  Try breath mints or candies that will dissolve and not ‘stick’ around to be a problem for too long.  But if you must chew gum, know that this is one item that needs to go in the garbage.  

If you are worried at this point because you have previously tried to compost gum, don’t.  You haven’t ruined the system.  The only thing that will happen to gum in the compost is that it will just stay gum.  It will not turn into the plush gardening material that you are creating, but it won’t interfere with the process.  You will just find it later as you are spreading the compost in your garden.  And when you do find it, just send it to the trash.

Eco Home Consultations provides green living consultation services in the Seattle area, focusing on practical ways to integrate green living into your household.  Learn more at www.ecohomeconsults.com or email questions about this blog or other green living issues to Melissa@ecohomeconsults.com.