SB707 is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at transforming how the textile industry handles waste. For recyclers, this bill introduces new standards and practices that will significantly impact operations.
Before we get too far along, let's first level-set some key vocabulary. In the context of SB707, a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) is a collective entity formed by textile producers to manage the end-of-life handling of their products. The PRO oversees activities such as collection, sorting, repair, and recycling of textiles, ensuring compliance with SB707’s requirements. It serves as the main compliance body on behalf of its member producers, coordinating reporting, tracking, and sustainable waste management to meet California's environmental standards.
With this in mind, let's take a look at how SB707 will affect the textile recycling sector:
- Enhanced Reporting: Recyclers supporting producers who are involved in the PRO will support the reporting requirements through data sharing and compliance as part of the PRO’s collective report. This includes detailed records of the amount of waste received, recycled, and disposed of. The goal is to create transparency and accountability in the recycling process.
- Stricter Tracking Measures: While tracking requirements are the responsibility of the PRO, recyclers are part of the network ensuring that all textiles are tracked according to these standards. Recyclers would be wise to consider implementing advanced tracking systems to monitor the flow of textile waste from receipt to final disposal.
- Circular Economy Focus: SB707 encourages practices that promote recycling and reuse, aiming to reduce textile waste in landfills and support the transition to a circular economy.
To ensure an organized rollout, SB707 provides a phased timeline for compliance:
- Needs Assessment Submission: By March 1, 2027, Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) must complete and submit a comprehensive needs assessment to CalRecycle. This assessment will evaluate the infrastructure, resources, and actions required to manage textile waste effectively in California.
- Regulation and Plan Approval: CalRecycle will adopt final regulations by July 1, 2028, guiding the compliance structure. By July 1, 2030, PROs must have fully implemented approved collection and recycling plans, which include reporting, tracking, and education efforts to support textile waste management and recycling.
- Annual Reporting and Performance Monitoring: After compliance is fully in effect, PROs must submit annual reports on their progress, detailing the amounts of textiles collected, reused, repaired, and recycled, along with any adjustments made to improve program efficacy.
Failure to comply with SB707 can result in significant repercussions for recyclers:
- Fines and Penalties: Non-compliant producers may face substantial fines, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per day, depending on the severity of the violation.
- Reputational Damage: Beyond financial penalties, non-compliance can damage a producer’s reputation, affecting relationships with partners and clients who prioritize sustainability.
- Streamlined Reporting: fabricfeed’s software simplifies the compliance process by providing real-time tracking and detailed impact reports, ensuring recyclers meet SB707’s reporting requirements efficiently.
- Advanced Tracking Systems: Our platform provides inventory management & project management tools to help you monitor textile feedstock from receipt into your facilities to their exit, helping recyclers comply with the new tracking measures.
