About Textile EPR

California’s Textile EPR: A Deeper Dive into SB 707

California has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable future with the passage of SB 707, the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024. This groundbreaking legislation introduces an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for textiles, marking a pivotal shift in how we manage textile waste. EPR is a growing trend worldwide, with many countries implementing similar policies for various product categories, including electronics, batteries, and packaging. In Europe, EPR schemes are particularly common, covering a wide range of products. Some notable examples include Germany’s Electronic Equipment Act, which mandates the take-back and recycling of electronic waste, and the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, which sets targets for packaging recycling rates across member states.

What is EPR?

EPR shifts the responsibility for managing end-of-life products from taxpayers and local governments to the producers themselves. In the context of textiles, this means that producers, importers, and brand owners become financially accountable for the collection, sorting, and processing of their products after consumers are finished with them.

Key Aspects of SB 707:

Mandates Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs): Producers are required to join an approved Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). This organization will be responsible for:

  • Establishing a statewide textile collection network: This will involve setting up convenient drop-off locations, potentially including curbside pickup, at various locations across the state.
  • Implementing robust sorting and processing infrastructure: This includes advanced sorting technologies to categorize textiles by fiber type, condition, and potential for reuse or recycling.
  • Exploring and developing new textile recycling technologies: This could involve investing in innovative technologies to upcycle and downcycle textile waste into new products, such as insulation, fibers for new fabrics, and other valuable materials.
  • Educating the public: The PRO will play a crucial role in educating consumers about proper textile disposal, the importance of textile recycling, and how to participate in the program.
  • Focus on Circularity: SB 707 encourages the development of a circular economy for textiles, prioritizing reuse, repair, and recycling over disposal. This includes:
  • Promoting textile reuse: Encouraging and facilitating the donation and resale of used clothing and textiles.
  • Supporting textile repair and refurbishment: Incentivizing the repair and refurbishment of damaged or worn-out clothing to extend its lifespan.
  • Developing innovative recycling technologies: Investing in research and development to improve textile recycling rates and create new, high-value end-use products from recycled materials.

Environmental and Social Benefits: SB 707 aims to:

  • Reduce textile waste in landfills: Divert a significant portion of textile waste from landfills, minimizing environmental impacts such as methane emissions and pollution.
  • Conserve natural resources: Reduce the demand for virgin materials used in textile production, such as cotton and polyester.
  • Create jobs: Stimulate the growth of a robust textile recycling industry in California, creating new jobs in collection, sorting, processing, and manufacturing.
  • Promote social equity: Ensure equitable access to textile collection and recycling services for all Californians, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.

Implementation Timeline:

  • PRO Formation Deadline: July 1, 2026 – Producers must join the approved PRO.
  • Program Implementation: Full implementation of the program is expected by 2030.

What You Can Do:

  • Support the implementation of SB 707: Advocate for the successful implementation of the program and address any potential challenges.
  • Participate in textile collection programs: Utilize the convenient collection options provided by the PROs.
  • Reduce your textile consumption: Buy less, choose durable and high-quality garments, and repair and mend clothes whenever possible.
  • Support brands that prioritize sustainability: Choose brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices throughout their entire supply chain.

For More Information:

Visit the CalRecycle website: Stay updated on the latest developments and regulations related to SB 707. https://calrecycle.ca.gov/epr/textiles/