Marks & Spencer is sending a third less waste to landfill than it was a year ago, the retailer announced today (June 10).

Marks & Spencer is working with Severnside and Shanks to drive down waste at all its stores

In the last twelve months, the amount of waste it sent for landfill disposal fell by 33% while the amount of food waste generated has reduced by 20%. The retailer also collected 133 million clothes hangers and re-used 76 per cent of them with the remainder being recycled.

In addition, the company reported that Birstall, a Simply Food store near Leeds, became the first ‘zero waste to landfill' M&S store in February.

The revelation came in M&S's annual ‘How We Do Business Report', which details the progress of Plan A - the company's eco and ethical programme launched in 2007 - including measures to tackle climate change, use sustainable raw materials, be a fair partner and produce healthier food.

Under the plan, the retailer has committed to stop sending waste to landfill from its UK and Irish operations by 2012.

All waste from M&S stores is handled by recycling companies Severnside and Shanks, under a three-year deal agreed in June 2009 (see letsrecycle.com story).

The report also highlighted that M&S reduced food packaging by 20%, and used 417 million fewer carrier bags in 2009/10 compared to 2006/07.

Sir Stuart Rose, chairman of Marks & Spencer, said: "Plan A is making a real difference to the environment and for our customers, employees and people working in our supply chains. We've introduced products and services to help customers live more sustainably, increased our contribution to local communities and, this year, generated £50 million additional profit which has been invested back in the business.

"We've made excellent progress, but there's no time to stand still. It is clear that evidence of environmental damage and social inequality has increased since we launched Plan A.

"That's why we're now pushing ahead with our new, bigger and bolder version of Plan A with 80 new commitments and the ultimate goal to become the world's most sustainable retailer by 2015."