Finns Set Record by Returning 2.3 Billion Beverage Containers in 2024
Helsinki, The Gulf Observer: Finland’s bottle return system reached a historic milestone in 2024, with Finns returning a record 2.3 billion deposit beverage containers. This remarkable achievement reaffirms Finland’s position as one of the world’s leaders in recycling. The total number of returned containers increased by 130 million compared to the previous year.
Aluminium cans accounted for the majority of returns, with over 1.5 billion collected. Additionally, around 700 million plastic bottles and 130 million glass bottles were returned through the system.
On average, each Finn recycled approximately 420 containers, receiving about €64 in deposit refunds. Tommi Vihavainen, CEO of Palpa, the organization overseeing the system, emphasized the essential role of public participation in its success. “The key factor is the commitment of people to returning their bottles and cans. Without this, valuable materials wouldn’t be recycled into new containers,” he stated.
Finland’s bottle return system operates on a closed-loop recycling model, ensuring that returned materials are repurposed to manufacture new containers, thereby prolonging their lifecycle and reducing waste.
Lapland Leads, Other Regions Close the Gap
Lapland once again led the nation in returns per capita, with an impressive 527 containers returned per resident. South Savo made significant progress, closely following with 521 containers per person. Other regions, including Kainuu and Kymenlaakso, also saw increases in their return rates, surpassing South Karelia. Meanwhile, Åland recorded the lowest per capita return rate, with 305 containers per resident.
Vihavainen acknowledged that while regional disparities persist, the overall trend is positive. “Traditional holiday areas and northern tourism hubs still stand out in the statistics, but the total number of returned containers is what matters most,” he remarked.
The municipalities with the highest per capita returns were predominantly located in northern Finland. Utsjoki, Kittilä, and Inari topped the list, with Pertunmaa—the only southern municipality in the top five—returning 840 containers per resident.
Smaller Towns Outperform Major Cities
In several regions, smaller municipalities demonstrated greater recycling participation compared to major cities. Hanko recorded the highest return rate in Uusimaa, while Pirkkala led in Pirkanmaa, Kustavi in Southwest Finland, and Joutsa in Central Finland.
Among Finland’s 20 largest cities, Pori had the highest return rate, with residents recycling an average of 544 containers per person. Conversely, Espoo and Helsinki recorded the lowest figures, with per capita returns of 292 and 332 containers, respectively.
The continued growth of Finland’s bottle return system underscores the country’s commitment to sustainability, resource conservation, and environmental responsibility. With strong public participation and an efficient recycling infrastructure, Finland sets an exemplary standard for circular economy practices worldwide.
