"Look, there's still a long way to go, and I still write two emails to council each week with recycling suggestions, but there's no doubt we're heading in the right direction," he said.

"For example some council tenders are now allowing for the use of recycled glass in projects. Not long ago that wasn't the case.

"And I've met with a number of councillors and they seem open to hearing what I have to say and to listen to suggestions. It's all positive.

Related: Hunter Resource Recovery puts spotlight on recycling

"I still want council - councils right across the region in fact - to agree to the total use of recycled paper in their offices. I've started a petition along those lines."

Council is supporting National Recycling Week with this year's theme 'Recovery: A future beyond the bin'.

The week aims to encourage the community to value waste as a resource - music to Michael Jacobs' ears.

As part of the week, Planet Ark and Council are encouraging the community to participate in 'Buy It Back Day' on Saturday, November 14 with the focus on purchasing second hand items rather than new.

When looking to discard unwanted items, council wants residents to assess whether the items could still be used by a local charity store, by friends or family, or sold online and become someone else's treasure.

"Reusing and sharing items instead of buying new is an easy way to reduce consumption of precious resources and increase community connection," Council's Manager of Environment and Sustainability Catherine Pepper said.

"While we're spending more time at home, it's a great opportunity to take on an upcycling project where families can take something old and restyle it to make something new that's uniquely theirs.

"Reusing items also helps the environment by reducing the production of greenhouse gases from landfilled waste and the need for new materials to be sourced."

For more recycling tips and information about National Recycling Week, visit recyclingnearyou.com.au/nationalrecyclingweek/