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

Sweden's 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.

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