Sweden's DRS recycles over 2.8 billion beverage containers in 2024

In 2024, Sweden recycled over 2.8 billion beverage cans and bottles, marking a nearly 6% increase from the previous year and averaging 271 containers per person, according to new data from Pantamera/Returpack.​

Despite this progress, the recycling rate—representing the proportion of deposit-marked containers returned—stood at 87.6% in 2024, slightly below the 90% target. Factors contributing to this shortfall include cross-border trade and the challenge of collecting containers consumed on-the-go. Additionally, younger demographics tend to recycle at a slightly lower rate than older individuals.​

To encourage higher recycling rates, Sweden increased the deposit amounts in January 2025. Deposits rose from 1 SEK to 2 SEK for aluminium cans and small PET bottles, and from 2 SEK to 3 SEK for large PET bottles.

Recycling beverage containers conserves resources and reduces emissions. In 2024, Sweden's deposit return system prevented over 180,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to the annual emissions of a medium-sized Swedish city.

Certain municipalities, particularly those near borders like Strömstad and Eda, reported higher per capita recycling rates, likely due to cross-border trade. Areas hosting large events or with significant tourism also saw increased recycling figures. The introduction of high-capacity reverse vending machines in smaller communities further boosted recycling rates.​

Detailed statistics are available on Pantamera's statistics portal:​ https://statistik.pantamera.nu

This article was originally published by Pantamera/Returpack.