Textile recycling is now a legal requirement for producers selling in California. The Textile Recovery Act, SB 707, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2024, establishes the nation's first extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for textiles. The law has entered its active implementation phase, carrying major implications for apparel and home textile brands worldwide.
What SB 707 Requires From Producers
The law shifts the financial burden of textile waste management from local governments and taxpayers directly to producers. Companies must pay an advance fee before their products enter the California market. Landbell USA, a nonprofit organization, manages the producer registry, ensures compliance, and oversees the development of collection networks and consumer education programs.
The legislation covers all apparel and home textile brands selling in California. Exemptions apply to secondhand sellers and small businesses with less than $1 million in annual global turnover. SB 707 builds on the proven model of existing EPR programs for mattresses, carpets, and batteries in the state.
The Scale of the Textile Waste Problem
The legislation comes in response to a growing crisis. Global clothing consumption has surged by 400 percent over the past two decades, largely fueled by fast fashion models. Yet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated that textile recycling rates stood at less than 15 percent in 2018.
Textiles pose unique challenges in conventional municipal waste systems. They can clog and damage sorting equipment, create fire hazards, and contaminate other recyclable materials. Synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon add a further layer of risk, as they do not biodegrade and can release microplastics into the environment.
Joanne Brasch, assistant director of the California Product Stewardship Council, notes that public awareness of textile waste has risen sharply. Factors including the closure of donation centers during the pandemic and the global visibility of textile waste washing ashore in countries like Ghana have built political momentum for legislative action.
Compliance Timeline and Business Impact
Registration with Landbell USA was mandatory for all producers by July 1 of this year. A statewide needs assessment will follow, with a formal program proposal due in March 2027. The full EPR program rollout is scheduled for July 1, 2030.
Non-compliant businesses face civil penalties of up to $50,000 per day. Stakeholders can shape the program's direction by participating in the upcoming CalRecycle workshop on August 13.
SB 707 also introduces eco-modulated fees, which offer financial incentives for manufacturers that design durable goods or use fewer hazardous chemicals. Margot Lyons, director of sustainability at Coyuchi, highlights that a statewide system provides the infrastructure to manage diverse material types and can unlock new revenue streams through repair and resale models. B2B textile professionals can follow evolving regulatory developments in the Info Center on textilezon.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must comply with California SB 707?
All apparel and textile producers selling products in California must register and comply. Exceptions exist for secondhand sellers and companies with less than $1 million in annual global revenue.
What penalties apply to non-compliant producers?
California can impose civil penalties of up to $50,000 per day on businesses that fail to meet SB 707 requirements. The first compliance step — registration with Landbell USA — had a deadline of July 1 this year.
When does the full textile recycling program launch in California?
Full program operations are expected by July 1, 2030. A statewide needs assessment is currently underway, with a formal proposal scheduled for March 2027.
