Bob Jolley has saved an estimated 294,000 bottles and cans from landfill, and donated the proceeds to projects in his south-west New South Wales community.
Now the 81-year-old, who goes by the name of Bottle'O'Bob, has received the state's Environmental Citizen of the Year Award for his "commitment and generosity".
"I'd like to think [I'll be recycling] forever, but I don't know, I'll just keep going until my legs won't take me around," he said.
Mr Jolley collects bottles and cans from around the Wentworth region, and residents even call him when they have containers for collection.
"The opportunities are endless — I only get the tip of the iceberg," he said.
"I'm 81 and three quarters now and I can't go everywhere, but people even take recyclables to the depot and they put them there in my name."
The octogenarian estimates he has raised about $40,000 for projects in the shire which include a skate park, a youth community centre, and a day-care centre for local mums.
"The community is behind it, and that's what one of the big satisfactions to me is," he said.
Andrew Parker, the chairman of the Australia Day Council of NSW, said "Bottle'O'Bob" has set a great example for everyone.
"I think it's hugely inspiring to all of us that you can not only do something for the environment like Bob has with the Return-and-Earn program, but you can give back to your community with the funds," he said.
The award coincides with World Environment Day, and celebrates people and organisations who work on local initiatives.
Mr Parker said the 81-year-old's work showed anyone, no matter what their age, could do their bit to help the environment.
"I think the great thing about Bob … is he's showing no signs of slowing down," he said.
"In fact I think he wants to do more, and has said the award is going to drive him on to make an even bigger contribution."
