Europe Aluminum Can Recycling Rate Hits Record on DRS Boost

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Aluminum beverage can recycling rates across the EU, UK, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland climbed to a record 76.3% in 2023, according to a joint report by European Aluminium and Metal Packaging Europe.

The increase was largely driven by the expansion and strong performance of Deposit Return Systems (DRS), which have significantly improved collection efficiency and material quality.

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In 2023, beverage can volumes placed on the EU market rose around 4%, while recycling volumes increased by 7%, demonstrating that collection systems are keeping pace with market growth. Countries adopting DRS reported dramatic gains. Malta boosted recycling rates from 50% to 80% after introducing DRS in 2023. Latvia and Slovakia, which launched systems in 2022, recorded increases to 74% and 91%, respectively. Germany and Finland already maintain recycling rates of 99%, with eight other countries exceeding 90%.

Industry leaders stress that high-quality collection through DRS supports closed-loop “can-to-can” recycling, a cornerstone of circular economy goals. However, they warn that rising aluminum scrap exports threaten material availability for European remelters.

The sector is urging EU regulators to introduce export controls and strengthen collection infrastructure, targeting 100% circularity for aluminum beverage cans by 2050.