In a significant step towards sustainability, the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, introduced by US Senator Josh Newman, has successfully passed the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee with a nine to three vote.
This legislation mandates producers to create and fund programs for reusing, repairing, and recycling clothing and textile fibres. The Act also aims to help secondhand retailers by encouraging them to use materials that are easier to recycle and more sustainable.
US Senator Newman introduced this bill to address the growing problem of textile waste and promote circularity in the fashion industry. He highlighted that in 2021 alone, California disposed of 1.2 million tonnes of textiles, with only 15 per cent being reused or recycled.
The SB 707 law will create a program to collect and recycle clothing and textiles that can’t be reused. Newman highlighted the teamwork that went into this important legislation, making California a leader in textile recycling and reducing waste.
Peter Majeranowski, CEO of textile recycling firm Circ, praised the initiative, noting its potential to boost domestic textile recycling, create jobs, and support sustainable manufacturing practices.
The Act will now proceed to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for a hearing before moving to the full Assembly. This development follows similar legislative efforts in Washington, New York, and California to mitigate the environmental impacts of the fashion industry.
