The senate bill 707 (SB 707) aims to tackle the issue of textile waste in America by requiring apparel manufacturers to join a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), which will manage the collection and recycling of discarded textiles. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion, which contributes significantly to carbon emissions and landfill waste.

The law mandates that producers submit a thorough plan for recycling and reusing their products, which must include strategies for the collection, sorting, repair and recycling of textiles with the aim to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. The full implementation of the program is expected by 2028 with the plan due by 2030.

SB 707 is also a response to the ‘throwaway culture’ driven by fast fashion, which often results in clothing being discarded after only a few uses, especially with fast fashion trends on the rise. The law encourages brands to focus on repair and reuse initiatives, which are already being embraced by brands like The North Face and Fjällräven to keep textiles in circulation longer.

“The framework created by SB 707 will create new opportunities for every Californian 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 Senator Josh Newman in a press release.

The law coming into place could serve as a model for other states and countries, encouraging global efforts to reduce textile waste and encourage more repair and reuse programs in the market.

In 2023, the Australian Fashion Council launched the National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme Seamless, with 60 major brands signing up to assume responsibility for their products from inception through to end-of-life. These brands are required to establish processes for recycling or sustainable disposal and pay a fee to support them.

We can do our part as individuals by being mindful of our purchases, buying second-hand, repairing, reusing, swapping and being conscious of what we do with our garments once no longer in use. Visit National Recycling Week for ways to get involved.

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