Over 2.8 billion PET bottles and aluminium cans were returned through the Swedish deposit return system (DRS) in 2024 – a 6% increase compared to the previous year.
In 2024, Sweden’s deposit return rate reached 87.6%, just short of the 90% target.
On average, every person in Sweden recycled 271 containers last year, according to fresh data from Returpack/Pantamera, the operator of the country’s DRS.
In 2024, Sweden’s deposit system prevented over 180,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions, Returpack/Pantamera said.
In the DRS, PET bottles and aluminium cans stay in a closed recycling loop, which is crucial for achieving true circularity.
Sara Bergendorff, Head of Sustainability and Quality at Returpack/Pantamera, said everyone can contribute to the environment and climate by returning their containers through the DRS.
“In the DRS, PET bottles and aluminium cans stay in a closed recycling loop, which is crucial for achieving true circularity,” Bergendorff commented.
“Unlike standard recycling, where materials often degrade in quality and get repurposed into other products, the deposit system keeps valuable materials in continuous use for their original purpose, so that they can become new bottles and cans, over and over again.”
In January 2025, the deposit amount increased with the aim to further grow recycling rates.
