CALIFORNIA – Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law, September 28, Senate Bill 707 – the responsible textile recovery act.
The first in the nation law mandates that producers of clothing, shoes, handbags, backpacks and other textiles manage the collection and recycling of them.
Bill author Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) says SB 707 will not only reduce the amount of textiles sent to landfills but will also help address the environmental impacts of “fast fashion” and the “throwaway culture.”
Only 15% of textiles are recycled
According to Newman, 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.
Fast fashion, a business model that involves mass-producing inexpensive clothing based on the latest trends and selling it quickly in stores and online, “is a major contributor to these devastating trends,” according to Newman.
He says the law will create new opportunities for Californians 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,” said Newman.
Fines up to $50,000 per day
Under the new law, textile manufacturers must form and join a producer responsibility organization (PRO).
The PRO will complete a plan for the collection, transportation, repair, sorting, recycling, and the safe and proper management of apparel and textiles.
The law authorizes CalRecycle to impose penalties for violations of $10,000 per day, or $50,000 per day for an intentional violation. They will deposit the funds into a Textile Stewardship Recovery Penalty Account.
The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) recently changed its position on SB 707 “opposed unless amended” to “neutral” due to substantive amendments to the legislation that demonstrate attempts to address several of their concerns.
To read the full SB707 bill visit https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB707
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