California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (SB 707) has been signed into law, establishing the USA’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling programme

Under its provisions, the Act 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 the reuse of garments and fibres.

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.

“I’m very proud to see SB 707 signed into law,” said Senator Josh Newman. “It will have a major positive impact on California’s environment and communities. It isn’t just about recycling –  it’s about transforming the way we think about textile waste. It 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 industry really showed up for the stakeholder process to make the final version as impactful as possible,” added Joanne Brasch, director of advocacy at the California Product Stewardship Council.  “We’ve seen brands and associations endorse the bill for a more equitable solution to a systematic problem. The programme will incentivise 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 meetings with a diverse coalition, including environmental organisations, 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 and Republic Services, as well as numerous local governments, agencies,and sanitation districts.

“At IKEA, we have an ambition to become a circular business by 2030,” said Mardi Ditze, US sustainability manager at IKEA. “To achieve this, we must partner with policymakers to support efforts in creating more circular systems for textiles and other products. 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 USA.”

https://sd29.senate.ca.gov