The Heart shopping centre has won silver in a national award scheme recognising environmentally-friendly behaviour.

The centre was singled out after it reduced its landfill waste to zero by increasing its efforts in recycling food and cardboard.

General manager of the Walton centre Mark Middleton said: “It was important to us that we achieved zero waste to landfill as we have an obligation and responsibility to our retailers, residents and the local community.”

The award was won in the Let’s Recycle It category of the 2012 Zero Waste Awards.

The Heart has been working closely with its waste and recycling service provider Saica Natur and speaking to schools to get everyone thinking of how they can do their bit.

Mr Middleton said: “The Heart understands that its activities affect the environment and the community in which we operate.

“We believe that we have a responsibility to identify and manage these impacts as effectively as possible and are committed to continually improving our environmental performance and moving towards the best practices in corporate sustainability.”

The awards were established by website letsrecycle.com.