Brief overview
- California has passed the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (SB 707), the first mandatory EPR system for textiles in the USA
- The aim is to create a nationwide system for the collection, reuse and recycling of textiles
- From 1 July 2026, manufacturers must be members of a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)
- A stewardship plan must be submitted to the competent authority by July 1, 2028
- The collection and recycling system must be fully implemented by July 1, 2030
- The responsible authority is the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)
- The products affected include clothing, shoes, accessories and household textiles
EPR for textiles in California: What companies need to know now
With the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (SB 707), California has opened a new chapter of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
The law creates the first mandatory EPR system for textiles in the United States and requires manufacturers to finance and organize a system for the collection and recycling of textile products in the future.
This creates new regulatory requirements for companies that sell textiles in California or export them there. It is therefore particularly important for internationally active manufacturers and online retailers to understand the upcoming obligations at an early stage and set up appropriate compliance structures.
Legal background: Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707)
The law SB 707 – Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 was passed in September 2024.
It pursues the goal,
- reduce the growing quantities of textile waste,
- promote the reuse and recycling of textiles and
- to establish a circular textile economy in the long term.
The structure of the law is based on well-known EPR systems from Europe, for example for packaging or electrical appliances.
Implementation will take place in several stages over several years.
Timetable for the introduction
The Responsible Textile Recovery Act provides for the following key milestones:
1 July 2026 – Participation in a Producer Responsibility Organization
As of this date, manufacturers who place affected textile products on the market in California must join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) or establish their own organization.
July 1 2028 – Submission of a stewardship plan
The PRO must submit a stewardship plan to the competent authority.
This plan describes, among other things:
- Collection and return structures
- Recycling and reuse systems
- Financing mechanisms
- Reporting obligations
July 1 2030 – Full implementation of the system
The nationwide collection and recycling system for textiles must be fully implemented by this date.
Competent authority
Supervision of the new EPR program lies with the
California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
The authority is responsible for the following tasks:
- Approval of Producer Responsibility Organizations
- Review of the stewardship plans
- Definition of reporting obligations
- Monitoring system performance
CalRecycle is currently still working on detailed implementation regulations and conducting consultations with industry and stakeholders.
Which textiles are affected?
The law applies to a wide range of textile products sold in California.
These include in particular
Clothing
- Jackets
- Pants
- Shirts
- Underwear
- Sportswear
Shoes
- Sneakers
- Boots
- Sandals
- Slippers
Accessories
- Scarves
- Gloves
- Belt
- Bags
Household textiles
- Towels
- Bed linen
- Blankets
- Curtains
The law therefore affects both traditional fashion companies and suppliers of home textiles.
Who is considered an obligated manufacturer?
The producer definition follows the usual principles of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
As a rule, the obligated manufacturer is:
- Trademark owner
The brand owner, which sells textile products under its own brand in California, is considered the primarily responsible manufacturer.
- Importer or distributor
If the trademark owner is not based in the USA, the importer or distributor is typically regarded as the obligated manufacturer.
This is particularly relevant for European brands and online retailers whose products are sold via US importers or platforms in California.
Registration and participation in the system
The law stipulates that obligated manufacturers must be part of a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). The PRO is responsible for the operational implementation of the system.
Typical tasks of a PRO are
- Development of a collection network for textiles
- Organization of sorting, reuse and recycling
- Management of manufacturer contributions
- Implementation of reporting obligations to the authority
The first approvals for PRO organizations are expected from 2026.
Quantity notifications and reporting obligations
The Californian textile EPR system is also expected to include a reporting system on quantities placed on the market. The specific requirements are currently being developed by CalRecycle. The following data is expected to be required:
- Quantities of textile products sold in California
- Collection and recycling volumes
- Data on the reuse of textiles
Notifications are expected to be made via the respective Producer Responsibility Organization.
Financing the system
As with other EPR systems, the textile program is based on the principle of manufacturer financing. Manufacturers make contributions that are used to finance the system.
Typical cost components are
- Setting up collection points
- Transportation and sorting
- Recycling processes
- Administration and reporting
- Information campaigns
The specific fee structure is expected to be determined by the Producer Responsibility Organizations.
Risks of non-compliance
Companies that do not fulfill their obligations can expect regulatory measures.
Possible consequences are
- Sales bans for affected products
- Fines
- Regulatory measures by authorities
- Restrictions on sales via online marketplaces
For internationally active companies in particular, a lack of EPR compliance can therefore pose considerable economic risks.
What companies should check now
Companies that sell textiles in California should check now:
- whether their products fall under the scope of the Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707)
- whether they could be considered an obligated manufacturer
- which distribution structure exists in California
- what quantities of textile products are sold in the state
- which organizational measures may be required for PRO participation
As other US states are already examining similar regulations, an early analysis can also be helpful for future EPR systems.
Support with the implementation of EPR obligations
The introduction of new EPR regulations often requires a detailed analysis of supply chains, manufacturer definitions and reporting obligations.
Companies should therefore check at an early stage which regulatory requirements apply to their products and which organizational measures are required to ensure legally compliant implementation.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the textile EPR in California
- When does the EPR law apply to textiles in California?
The first key deadline is July 1, 2026, when manufacturers must join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO).
- Does the law also affect European manufacturers?
Yes, if textiles are exported to and sold in California, the importer or distributor may be considered an obligated manufacturer.
- Which products are covered by SB 707?
The law applies to a wide range of textile products, including clothing, shoes, accessories and household textiles such as towels, bed linen and curtains.
