Textile Stewardship

 

California’s groundbreaking Responsible Textile Recovery Act holds the apparel and textile industry responsible for making sure their products get collected, repaired, reused, and recycled.

 

California is leading the nation to cut waste and climate pollution from textiles and apparel.  

Textiles and apparel include:

  • Clothing/Accessories
  • Curtains
  • Fabric window coverings
  • Knitted and woven accessories
  • Towels
  • Tapestries
  • Bedding
  • Tablecloths
  • Napkins
  • Blankets
  • Linens and
  • Pillows.

For more information, visit PRC sections 42984.3 (a), (i), and (ae).

In California apparel and textile industries can model new ways to:

  • Cut waste and pollution, 
  • Set up convenient collection, and  
  • Increase reuse, repair, and recycling.  

Innovative requirements of the Responsible Textile Recovery Act: 

  • Ensure collected textiles are reused, repaired, or recycled. 
  • Provide incentives and grants to support the reuse, repair, and recycling infrastructure. 
  • Minimize environmental and public health impacts in the entire supply chain.

Timeline

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January 2026

Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) applications are due to CalRecycle by January 1, 2026.

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March 2026

CalRecycle will approve a PRO.

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July 2026

Producers must join the PRO by July 1, 2026.

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March 2027

The PRO will complete an initial needs assessment.

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July 2028

CalRecycle will adopt regulations, taking effect no earlier than July 1, 2028.

For more information, contact textiles@calrecycle.ca.gov.