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

Sweden DRS recycles over 2 8 billion beverage containers in 2024
Sustainability

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.

Photo credit: Anders Ristenstrand / Pantamera (Returpack)

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.

Latest Packaging News

Rowlinson Packaging protects high-value AI hardware with timber crate solutions
Supplier News

Rowlinson Packaging protects high-value AI hardware with timber crate solutions

As artificial intelligence (AI) adoption accelerates, the global demand for AI infrastructure...
Viscose Closures: Choosing the right cork – A guide for wine and spirits producers
Supplier News

Viscose Closures: Choosing the right cork – A guide for wine and spirits producers

Selecting the right cork stopper is a crucial decision for both winemakers and spirit producers....
London Packaging Week hosts first major industry discussion since EPR launch
Events

London Packaging Week hosts first major industry discussion since EPR launch

Leading experts from Defra, PackUK, and the Food & Drink Federation will discuss how recent...
JD Wetherspoon reports £2.4m packaging waste costs under EPR scheme
Business

JD Wetherspoon reports £2.4m packaging waste costs under EPR scheme

JD Wetherspoon has disclosed that it expects to incur around £2.4 million in costs this year under...
CalRecycle study finds 8.5m tonnes of packaging sent to landfill in California
Sustainability

CalRecycle study finds 8.5m tonnes of packaging sent to landfill in California

Nearly 8.5 million tonnes of single-use packaging and food-service items were sent to landfill in...