Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB707)

California’s fledgling Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707) puts producers on the hook for the state’s mounting clothing waste, but the Healthy Textiles Coalition (HTC) argues the current law still leaves critical gaps. With some key changes like this, we contend that SB 707 can move beyond incremental recycling targets and deliver a truly circular, justice-centered textile economy—one that keeps fiber value circulating close to home while protecting public health at every step. 

The Coalition is calling for :
  • Data transparency
  • The utilization of environmental and public health impact data in developing program performance standards
  • Striking “advanced (chemical) recycling” from the very definition of recycling
  • Funding investments following the waste hierarchy with 10% to support natural fiber production
  • Strong minimum standards for collection, the program’s remediation fund to distribute funding to frontline communities
  • Full stakeholder representation via the PRO ex-officio board
  • Consumer education that advocates for slowing the rate of textile consumption
  • An effective eco-modulated fee strategy that accounts for a material’s environmental justice impacts on regional and international communities. 
  • Strong minimum standards for collection
  • The program’s remediation fund to distribute funding to frontline communities

In a joint letter to CalRecycle, HTC members — Just Zero, Californians Against Waste, Remake, Ethix Merch and The Or Foundation—urged the agency to tighten the law so it truly prioritizes waste prevention, repair, and reuse.

Review our Comment Letter to CalRecycle

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