The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency

Waste Statistics

Waste Statistics Unit

The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency

106 48 Stockholm.

24 June 2025

24 June 2025

24 June 2025

We have used the new calculations rules since reference year 2021. We have not reported compliance with the old recycling targets according to the old calculation rules.

The derogation to make use of delegated act on average loss rates is not applicable for 2021 data collection as legal act not yet in force.

For reference year 2023, A 50/50 balancing of the placed on the market (PoM) and waste composition analysis (WCA) methods according to the own resources reporting has been used to report plastic waste generated. This method was also used for reference year 2022, hence no Break in series flag used.

Table: Institutions involved in the collection of data and distribution of tasks.

The R/D codes in Annexes I and II of Directive 2008/98/EC are used. Regarding reference year 2021, treatment operation are divided into three recovery operations: 1) Recycling, 2) Energy recovery and 3) other recovery. Repair of wooden packaging is reported as a separate recovery operation. Producers are in addition obliged to report treatment in the form of disposal according  to Ordinance 2022:1274 on packaging and packaging waste.

The R/D codes in Annexes I and II of Directive 2008/98/EC are used. Regarding reference year 2021, treatment operation are divided into three recovery operations: 1) Recycling, 2) Energy recovery and 3) other recovery. Repair of wooden packaging is reported as a separate recovery operation. Producers are in addition obliged to report treatment in the form of disposal according to Ordinance 2022:1274 on packaging and packaging waste.

All sectors.

Yes, Sweden have collected data on the amount of wooden packaging that is repaired for reuse in the calculation of targets for reference year 2023. 

Sweden do not wish to take into account the amount of metals in incineration bottom ash for the calculation of targets.

Reuse systems are in place for wooden packaging, glass bottles and plastic packaging. There are also systems for metal CO2 bottles.

Not available.

Not available for reference year 2023.

Producer responsibility organisation fulfilling the producer responsibility obligations for its member producers.

All Producer responsibility organisation (PROs).

Sweden.

Historical data is available.

Not applicable.

Tonnes.

Calendar year

Responsible for producing, publishing and reporting national packaging and packaging waste statistics:

Directive 94/62/EC sets out the EU’s rules on managing packaging and packaging waste (Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste).

Not applicable.

Data is treated according to the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act (2009:400).

European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The p% rule is used for risk assessment, and the software TauArgus is used to apply primary and secondary cell suppression. 

Annual release, usually in October or November.

Not applicable. Publication announced on the website (Release calendar).

No advance briefing to press or users.

Yearly.

News release whenever a new report is published.

The national packaging statistics are published on the website of Statistics Sweden: Avfall, förpackningar (scb.se), including a document describing the quality of the statistics.

Link and information is included in report as well as on SEPA's website.

Not available.

Not available.

Qualitative declaration published on Statistics website.

The national packaging statistics are published on the website of Statistics Sweden, including a document describing the quality of the statistics.

SMED does not have a detailed description of the different methodologies used by the Extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, and cannot validate the data reported other than asking clarifying questions to the EPR schemes, and making comparisons of the data reported previous years to identify major changes.

SMED collects data through web based questionnaires sent out to EPR schemes. The survey is a total survey without non-response. No adjustments is made for any coverage errors (free-rider etc.) for other packaging types than plastic. For additional information please visit this website (Information to be submitted to the waste registry).

There are many different users of waste statistics - citizens, politicians, municipal, regional and national authorities, central government offices, industry, researchers, press reporters, the public, etc. The needs differ depending on type of user. 

Publications are available for users at this website (Waste packaging).

Apart from underreporting due to free riders, all data is available.

SMED collects data through web based questionnaires sent out to EPR schemes. The survey is a total survey without non-response. No adjustments is made for any coverage errors (free-rider etc.) for other packaging types than plastic.

The main issues affecting the accuracy of data is related to the lack of full producer coverage, most likely leading to underestimation of the amount of packaging placed on the Swedish market. Comparison with other data sources indicates that Put on market (PoM) may be underestimated for all packaging types except deposit cans and PET bottles, sub-categories of aluminium and plastic packaging. Free-riders, internet sales, and goods imported by private journeys are not adjusted for. This means that the Swedish put on the market data is underestimated to an unknown extent. The underestimation of the amount of packaging placed on the market leads to an overestimation of the recycling rates. The overestimation is thus not quantifiable.

Data on reusable packaging were collected the first time in reference year 2020. In reference year 2021 we had access to previous data and could compare the data on reusable packaging in reference year 2020. The aggregated data showed some differences between reference years 2020 - 2023. Reported amounts of resuable packaging is thus most likely underestimated.

Regarding clarification Request nr 4-6 reference year 2020.

The reporting on reusable packaging is new, both for the systems and for the producers. This will cause uncertainties when it comes to data quality during an start-up period. In terms of reporting (of reusable packaging), systems for reuse are surveyed regarding both rotations and reusable packaging placed on the market for the first time. However, the individual producer is formally (by law) responsible to report the amount of reusable packaging they put on the market. And during 2020 individual producers had the opportunity to report figures directly to SEPA (the systems for reuse reported to SMED). This meant that individual producer’s, regarding 2020, could report reusable packaging placed on market regardless of if they were connected to an (known) system of reuse or not. This data collection apparatus could result in minor data flaws (eg that the reusable packaging reported as placed on the market is in fact not a sales packaging, or that the reusable packaging is rotating within a hybrid system, etc).

The information in this section is to provide an overarching understanding of the accuracy of any statistical surveys used relating to packaging waste. Some of the information may be available in previous questions.

The information in this section is to provide an overarching understanding of the accuracy of any statistical surveys used relating to packaging waste. Some of the information may be available in other concepts.

Not applicable.

Data on reusable packaging were collected the first time in reference year 2020. In reference year 2021 we had access to previous data and could compare the data on reusable packaging in reference year 2020. The aggregated data showed some differences between reference years 2020 - 2023. Reported amounts of resuable packaging is thus most likely underestimated.

Regarding clarification Request nr 4-6 reference year 2020
The reporting on reusable packaging is new, both for the systems and for the producers. This will cause uncertainties when it comes to data quality during an start-up period. In terms of reporting (of reusable packaging), systems for reuse are surveyed regarding both rotations and reusable packaging placed on the market for the first time. However, the individual producer is formally (by law) responsible to report the amount of reusable packaging they put on the market. And during 2020 individual producers had the opportunity to report figures directly to SEPA (the systems for reuse reported to SMED). This meant that individual producer’s, regarding 2020, could report reusable packaging placed on market regardless of if they were connected to an (known) system of reuse or not. This data collection apparatus could result in minor data flaws (eg that the reusable packaging reported as placed on the market is in fact not a sales packaging, or that the reusable packaging is rotating within a hybrid system, etc).

Data reported to Eurostat 18 months after the end of each reference year.

Not applicable.

A 50/50 balancing of the POM and WCA methods according to the own resources reporting has been used to report plastic waste generated. 

Not applicable.

See below.

Explanation detailing the causes of the tonnage difference (in relation to which waste streams, sectors or estimates have caused the difference, and what the underlying cause is) for any component of packaging waste generated and recycled which shows greater than a 10 % variation from the data submitted for the previous data year.

Table 1

For wood packaging and wooden packaging repairs, a low response rate results in data of lower quality with large variations depending on which actors respond a given year. This occurs in all wood columns, in both table 1 and table 3.

For aluminium recycling, one major actor reported that they had put a substantiable amount of aluminium on hold during 2022 to be recycled in 2023, due to a change of sorting facilities, thereby increasing this year's recovery. They also recycle some of their material in a neighbouring non-EU country.

Ferrous metal recycling – a decrease due to on major actor. The change is assumed to be correct.

Paper – increase inrecycling in other member states, mainly due to one actor. The change is assumed to be correct.

The energy recoveryfor plastic and glass has decreased for some actors, but the actors have not given a reason for this, although some of them were contacted to confirm their changes.

The energy recoveryfor paper has increased due to rain negatively affecting the paper so that much of it could not be used for anything other than energy recovery.

Table 3

For reusable packaging placed on the market for the first time, plastics, wood and aluminium has changed more than 10 % compared to data from 2022.

For plastics and aluminium, the changes are due to a few actors. Some of them have been contacted and the change is assumed to be correct. For wood, the reasoning is giving under “table 1”.

For rotations per year there is an increase in ferrous metal due to one actor reporting a new packaging type. The change is assumed to be correct. Additionally, aluminium has increased. This change is checked with the actor and is correct. For paper, one actor reported paper packaging this year but did not report it the previous year.

Not applicable.

If needed, data is revised and republished.

No revisions has been made for previous years.

A web based questionnaries are sent out to producer responsibility organisations fulfilling the producer responsibility obligations for their member producers. 

The waste samples for waste analysis are taken from:

Annual.

See below.

PoM data is not verified ("balanced") using waste analysis for other packaging types than plastic.
However, from different studies focusing on packaging waste streams it can be concluded, based on waste analysis, that PoM data is likely to be underestimated.

Since reference year 2021, producers of composite packaging have been asked to report the packaging material put on the market based on separate material shares in the composite packaging. Packaging consisting of two easily separable parts, with different material, e.g. a bottle and a lid, has been reported as separate materials to the EPR schemes. Enterprises in the EPR scheme handling paper packaging material could separate composite packaging material and reported them as paper and plastic material. Several of the EPR schemes have made remarks that they have reported composite packaging material in their separate material shares. The requirement (for producers) to report composite packaging based on material type is  transposed in Swedish legislation but the producers have sometimes problems with the implementation (the process is ongoing). The requirement (for producers) to report composite packaging based on material type is  transposed in Swedish legislation but the producers have sometimes problems with the implementation (the process is ongoing).

Additional information about the methodology, including the combination of methods used: SMED collects data from web-based questionnaries sent out to EPR schemes.

SMED does not have a detailed description of the different methodologies used by the EPR schemes, and cannot validate the data reported other than asking clarifying questions to the EPR schemes, and making comparisons of the data reported previous years to identify major changes. The questionnaire included free text questions regarding how the respondents have collected and verified the reported data, uncertainties in the data reported data, measurement points used for obtaining data on reycled amounts of packaging waste etc.

The official documentation of the statistics “Kvalitetsdeklaration” is available at the SCB website.
(Swedish).

SMED collects data through web based questionnaires sent out to EPR schemes. The survey is a total survey without non-response. No adjustments is made for any coverage errors (free-rider etc.) for other packaging types than plastic.

The main issues affecting the accuracy of data is related to the lack of full producer coverage, most likely leading to underestimation of the amount of packaging placed on the Swedish market. Comparison with other data sources indicates that Put on market (PoM).

It is an ongoing inventory process to identify reuse systems in Sweden. It is important to emphasize that the statistics are not jet 100% comprehensive. Because it is difficult to map all the reuse systems that exist.

The statistic includes EUR-pallets and other kinds of pallets, pallet collars, cable drums, beverage bottles and crates, CO2-cylinder, plastic craters used in wholesale & retail, IBC-containers, etc.

Calculation of recycling of metals from incinerator bottom ash : Detailed description of the method to collect data in order to calculate the amount of metals separated from incineration bottom ash in accordance with the Commission Implementing Act adopted in accordance with Article 37(7) of Directive 2008/98/EC.

See below

EPR schemes are in place for packaging, the producers already has a legal responsibility to trace the waste and make sure it is taken care of properly. The Swedish EPA has the mandate to perform supervision on how the producers fulfil their responsabilities (in this case make sure that the waste is properly taken care of) if there is any reason to believe that it is not handled properly.

SMED collects data through web based questionnaries sent out to EPR schemes. Neither the Swedish EPA nor SMED have detailed description of the measures performed by the the EPR organisations. The questionnare for reference year 2023 made it possible to distinguish between export of packaging waste to final treatment in EU Member states and export outside the EU. Even though the questionnaire include categories to distinguish export of packaging waste SMED does not have the possiblity to validate the data reported other than asking clarifying questions to the EPR schemes.

The columns in the table relate to information on verification procedures used within the national statistical reporting system to validate the accuracy of the data.

The columns in the table relate to information on verification procedures used within the national statistical reporting system to validate the accuracy of the data.

See below

Primary sources and their shares in the total

(*) Necessity of a certain minimum amount of waste, turnover etc. to be registered.

Primary sources and their shares in the total

(*) Necessity of a certain minimum amount of waste, turnover etc. to be registered.

Packaging waste generated estimated by waste analysis

Data on packaging (glass, paper and cardboard and metal) placed on the market is obtained from two PRO/EPR schemes and one DRS that register packaging placed on the market for compliance purposes.
Data regarding systems for reusable packaging is collected separately via a web based questionnaire sent out by SMED on commission by the Swedish EPA.

PoM data for wood packaging is an estimate with known under reporting. This data has previously been obtained from a trade organisation representing the Swedish sawmill industry, the Swedish glulam and the Swedish wood packaging industries.

A 50/50 balancing of the POM and WCA methods according to the own resources reporting has been used for plastic packaging waste

SMED collects data from web-based questionnaires sent out to EPR schemes. Calculations to deduct the amounts of non-target materials are carried out by the EPR schemes. SMED is not able to verify the reported data and have limited insight in the methodology used by the EPR organisations. In some cases where the reported data deviate a lot from data from previous years  we have been in contact with the EDR organisations to verify that they have used the correct calculation points.

Compostable packaging recovered at biowaste treatment plants is not included in the Swedish data for reference year 2021. Composting of biowaste is declining in Sweden. 

Sweden does not have a methodology to determine recycled amount from composite packaging. PRO's and recyclers report recyling per material, not based on packaging type (e.g. composite packaging). Material from recycled composite packaging is reported per material, if possible. Generally, the non-target materials in a beverage container is considered a loss (rejct) and is treated using energy recovery. Non-target materials from composite packaging is not reported under the main material but rather reported as reject. If the treatment process is able to separate materials and send them to recycling, then the materials are reported per material. I.e. if it is possible to recycle plastic from a composite packaging, the plastic must be reported as recycled plastic, not paper. 

Description of the sorted packaging waste to which ALRs are applied, types of sorting plants to which different ALRs apply, the methodological approach to calculating ALRs at such point(s), including the statistical accuracy of any surveys used, or the nature of any technical specifications.

See below.

Description, where applicable, of the methodology to exclude non-packaging waste from the reported amount of recycled packaging waste and of the methodology to correct the amount of packaging waste at the measurement point in order to reflect the natural humidity rate of packaging (including by using relevant European standards). Aggregated data across facilities of a similar type is acceptable.

Description of the methodology to exclude waste originating from other countries, where applicable. Aggregated data across facilities of a similar type is acceptable.

Yes, Sweden have collected data on the amount of wooden packaging that is repaired for reuse in the calculation of targets for reference year 2023.