Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

Under its provisions, SB 707 creates a framework for producers and other participants in the value chain to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products and textiles, including repair, recycling, and reuse of garments and fibers. Once implemented, SB 707 will not only reduce the amount of textiles sent to landfills but will also support the development of upcycling and recycling across California and help address the environmental impacts of “fast fashion” and the “throwaway culture” it has abetted.

“I’m very proud to see SB 707 signed into law. It will have a major positive impact on California’s environment and communities. SB 707 isn’t just about recycling; it’s about transforming the way we think about textile waste,” said Senator Newman. “The framework created by SB 707 will create new opportunities for every Californian to participate in a more sustainable future. 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. 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 fashion industry has been identified as a top industrial polluter, accounting for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions. As textiles decompose in landfills, they emit methane gas and leach dyes and chemicals into the soil and groundwater, further contributing to environmental decay.

The rise of “fast fashion,” or the marketing and sale of low-cost, low-quality garments that fall out of vogue with increasing speed, is a major contributor to these devastating trends. In 2021, approximately 1.2 million tons of textiles were disposed of in California. Despite 95% of textiles being reusable or recyclable, only 15% are currently recycled or reused.

“The industry really showed up for the stakeholder process to make the final version as impactful as possible. We’ve seen brands and associations endorse the bill for a more equitable solution to a systematic problem,” said Joanne Brasch, Director of Advocacy from the California Product Stewardship Council. “The program will incentivize producers to adopt less wasteful production and greener designs.”

Since its introduction last year, SB 707 has been subject to extensive stakeholder engagement. This collaborative process has resulted in dozens of improvements as the result of hundreds of hours of stakeholder meetings with a diverse coalition, including environmental organizations, industry leaders, and community groups.

Over the course of the legislative process, the bill has received widespread support, a testament to its importance and potential impact. This support includes the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC), IKEA, Goodwill, Sierra Club California, Everlane, Reformation, Boardriders, Republic Services, as well as numerous local governments, agencies, and sanitation districts.

What others are saying:

“At IKEA, we have an ambition to become a circular business by 2030. To achieve this, we must partner with policymakers to support efforts in creating more circular systems for textiles and other products,” said Mardi Ditze, IKEA U.S. Sustainability Manager. “We applaud Senator Newman for leading a collaborative process with industry stakeholders on SB 707 and support efforts to increase textile circularity in California and across the U.S.”

“Threadhaus appreciates Senator Newman’s leadership, along with CPSC, to create better funding for clothing repair and upcycling. The EPR funds will support upcoming designers and upcyclers using post-consumer materials in new, innovative products.”

“Textile recycling is a growing industry domestically, creating jobs and reviving manufacturing in areas near recycling facilities,” said Peter Majeranowski, CEO of Circ, Inc., a leading textile recycler. “We’ve seen the fashion industry really step up to adopt fibers and yarns with lower impacts. Circ thanks Senator Newman for leading in California to incentive funding for textile recycling.”

"The City of San Jose is pleased to see SB 707 signed by Governor Newsom, as it provides a permanent program for local government to find a solution for textile waste. Thank you to Senator Newman and bill sponsors, CPSC, for leadership on this important topic."