California Enacts Groundbreaking Textile Recycling Law

California has become the first state in the U.S. to implement a mandatory take-back program for apparel, following Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of the Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707). This legislation requires clothing manufacturers to establish a nonprofit organization by 2026 to facilitate the collection and recycling of unwanted textiles, aiming to reduce the 1.2 million tons of clothing disposed of in landfills each year. The bill, championed by Senator Josh Newman, has garnered support from various stakeholders despite initial opposition from industry groups, leading to a neutral stance following negotiations. The law is designed to promote a circular textile economy by providing convenient drop-off locations for recycling by 2030. This initiative reflects growing regulatory scrutiny over the environmental impact of fast fashion and may inspire similar measures in other states. The program will be overseen by CalRecycle to ensure compliance and effectiveness.