PET collection rates in Europe 2020, by select country
Of the 10 European countries with the highest polyethylene terephthalate (PET) collection rates as of 2020, nine had established Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) systems. The highest collection rates were in Denmark and Germany, at 96 and 95 percent, respectively. The Netherlands was the only country with DRS systems with a PET collection rate of less than 80 percent. The first DRS system was implemented in Sweden in 1984.
In January 2022, Slovakia fully implemented the DRS system. Prior to this, Slovakia's PET collection rate was 62 percent. More countries in Europe are set to implement DRS systems in the next few years, including Portugal and Poland, which currently have PET collection rates of less than 50 percent. Despite not having a DRS system implemented, Belgium currently has a PET collection rate of 92 percent.
In January 2022, Slovakia fully implemented the DRS system. Prior to this, Slovakia's PET collection rate was 62 percent. More countries in Europe are set to implement DRS systems in the next few years, including Portugal and Poland, which currently have PET collection rates of less than 50 percent. Despite not having a DRS system implemented, Belgium currently has a PET collection rate of 92 percent.
