A new law in California is trying to tackle textile and fashion waste. SB 707, the Responsible Textile Recovery Act, which was recently signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, now requires clothing companies to have a recycling system for garments produced.
Companies producing clothing, bedding, towels and upholstery are now mandated by law to provide and fund the repair, reuse and recycling of their products statewide.
“I’m very proud to see SB 707 signed into law. It will have a major positive impact on California’s environment and communities,” Senator Josh Newman, author of the bill, said. “SB 707 isn’t just about recycling; it’s about transforming the way we think about textile waste.”
While the new law passed with support from many state lawmakers, the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) was the chief sponsor of the bill and worked closely with Senator Newman’s office to help compose the bill with input from both the fashion industry and advocacy organizations.
“The industry really showed up for the stakeholder process to make the final version as impactful as possible,” Dr. Joanne Brasch, CPSC’s director of advocacy and outreach, said. “We’ve seen brands and associations endorse the bill for a more equitable solution to a systematic problem. The program will incentivize producers to adopt less wasteful production and greener designs.”
The fashion industry is responsible for about 10 percent of carbon emissions worldwide. In the U.S., 18.7 million tons of textile waste was generated in 2018—10 times more than in 1960—with 85 percent of it ending up in landfills.
“By 2030, convenient drop-off locations for used textiles across the state will provide everyone with a free and simple way to be part of the solution,” Newman said. “California is again at the forefront of innovation, proving we can lead the way in creating a circular and sustainable textile economy that benefits everyone.”
The law gives companies until 2026 to develop an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program, such as “a nonprofit to design strategies like mail-return programs and collection sites,” EcoWatch reported. But the program isn’t expected to start until 2028.
“SB 707 is a signal that the future is here, and it’s time for real partnership between industry and industry groups to make it a reality,” Rachel Kibbe, CEO of ACT and Circular Services Group, said.
COMMENTS