Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), also known as the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, represents a groundbreaking piece of legislation addressing the growing issue of textile waste in California. Introduced by Senator Josh Newman in March 2023, the bill has successfully advanced through the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee with a 9-3 vote on July 2, 2024. This landmark bill focuses on establishing a robust Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program that mandates clothing producers to fund and execute programs for collecting, repairing, recycling, and adequately managing textile waste.
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.
The Responsible Textile Recovery Act has garnered support from various stakeholders, including environmental organizations, industry leaders, and community groups. Notable endorsements have come from the California Product Stewardship Council, IKEA, Goodwill, Sierra Club California, and Republic Services.
These groups participated actively in the stakeholder engagement process over the past year, leading to dozens of improvements in the bill. Senator Newman has emphasized the collaborative efforts involving countless meetings, workshops, and presentations as key to producing a bill with significant positive impacts.
The bill's passage represents a significant step forward in line with California’s vision for a circular economy. It supports ongoing state efforts to encourage the repair and reuse of textiles and strengthens existing textile recycling capabilities. As SB 707 moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration, it remains a pivotal piece of legislation that positions California as a leader in textile recycling and waste reduction.
