California advances first-of-its-kind textile recycling bill

The legislation aims to transition toward a sustainable, market-aligned, and circular economy for textiles. It unlocks new opportunities for production and consumption while simultaneously promoting environmental benefits at a relatively low cost for California’s network of thrift and secondhand businesses.

Furthermore, the bill encourages using sustainable and recyclable materials within the fashion industry, which currently contributes approximately 10% of global carbon emissions. The bill incentivizes producers to adopt less wasteful production methods and greener designs to tackle these environmental challenges.

Despite around 95% of textiles being recyclable or reusable, only 15% are diverted from landfills to recycling or reuse in California.

SB 707 aims to bridge this gap by enhancing the ability of thrift stores and charities to handle unsellable garments and fostering the development of upcycling and recycling markets for clothing and fiber, which have remained largely untapped…