Campbelltown’s Bin Chicken initiative named the 2022 NSW Environmental Citizen of the Year

When a Campbelltown family were out on their evening walks they couldn’t help but notice the litter around the park. Fast forward two years and they have a recycling hub to help address the problem.

A Western Sydney community recycling project that was kickstarted by a Campbelltown four-year-old’s concern for the environment has been recognised with a state award.

Alexis Bowen started The Bin Chicken initiative two years ago in the Campbelltown region after picking up litter with her children, Logan and Margot, every evening while on a walk around Eschol Park.

Within five weeks, they had collected more than 5000 single use drink containers.

“A lot of the litter we were picking up were the 10c drink containers which I just thought was madness because you are literally throwing money on the ground,” Ms Bowen said.

“My son was the driving force behind it. He was four years old and he would say ‘mum, we have to pick this up because I don’t want the turtles getting sick’.

“That was a lot for a four-year-old to have on his little shoulders so we thought let’s try and help our community.”

Ms Bowen approached the president of the Eschol Park Football club to install some bins to separate the drink containers and address the litter issue at the grounds.

Alexis Bowen with her children Margot and Logan who started picking up litter on their evening walks.

“We thought why don’t we approach local sporting clubs and daycares and have a site where people can get on board,” she said.

And so the Bin Chicken was born and aims to reduce recyclable material entering landfill and inspire the community to use the Return and Earn deposit scheme to return more money to local sports clubs, day care centres and a community pantry that contains food to help those in need.

A centre was established at St Andrews where people can drop off a variety of items to be recycled and the money goes towards the organisation and the pantry is available for those in need at any time.

“The daycare and sporting clubs get 15 per cent back and then we use the rest to help cover the cost of the program and also stock the community pantry,” Ms Bowen said.

Alexis Bowen with her children Margot and Logan who are behind the Bin Chicken initiative.

“It’s about funding more recycling. We are hoping to build more hubs throughout Campbelltown.”

Minister for Environment James Griffin congratulated the winner and all the nominees for their initiatives that help protect and conserve the environment while growing community spirit.

“Grassroots initiatives are what make our communities great, and the Environmental Awards encourage community champions, everyday individuals and local organisations that are improving our environment,” Mr Griffin said.

“From recycling and litter reduction, to land care, creating community gardens and protecting our wildlife - this year’s Environmental Awards nominees are extraordinary, and their perseverance in times of hardship should be applauded.”

The Bin Chicken organisation won the NSW Environmental Citizen of the Year award.

Ms Bowen said it was amazing to be awarded but the honour but thanked the Campbelltown community for their support.

“This award is for everyone who supported us,” she said.

The Environmental Award is part of the annual NSW Local Citizen of the Year Awards held on Australia Day, where members of the public are invited by their local councils to nominate fellow citizens.

The winner receives $3000 and the runner-up receives $1000 to support their community initiative. For more information about The Bin Chicken, click here.