Binghamton Calls in the GumBusters

The city of Binghamton is using a specialized piece of equipment to tackle a sticky problem.

For decades, discarded chewing gum on downtown sidewalks has proven to be an unsightly and annoying issue.

Binghamton officials decided to call GumBusters. They actually called Anthony Mulé, whose Brooklyn-based company distributes the Provap Gumcart which helps to deal with gummy messes.

Mulé said the Italian-made device produces super-heated steam and uses a special "GumFIghter" chemical solution to tackle the problem. The standard GumBusters unit costs just under $6,000.

A Binghamton public works employee was spotted using the GumBusters device on Court Street.

Once the special GumFighter solution was heated to about 356 degrees, it was applied to the old patch of gum. The removal process appeared to be relatively quick and easy.

Mulé said he's been selling GumBusters for about 15 years. He said they've been helping clean sidewalks across the United States and in other countries, including Mexico, Israel and Germany.