A Comprehensive Guide from CGlobal, the EPR Consulting Division of H2 Compliance, on Emerging State Textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Initiatives
The environmental impact of textile waste has become an increasingly pressing concern in the United States. Mountains of discarded clothing, footwear, and household textiles clog landfills, contributing to environmental degradation and resource depletion.
- Textile consumption has doubled since 2004
- Textile consumption ranks 4th in climate impact
- 92M metric tons of textiles are discarded annually
- 85% of textiles end up in landfills or are incinerated
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, California recently took a groundbreaking step by enacting the Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB707), comprehensive Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation for textiles. This landmark law shifts the responsibility for the end-of-life management of textile products from consumers and municipalities to the producers themselves.
While California’s move has garnered significant attention, it’s crucial for businesses in the textile and apparel industries to understand that this is not an isolated effort. A growing number of US states are actively exploring and implementing their own EPR regulations for textiles, signaling a nationwide trend towards greater producer accountability and a more circular economy for these materials.
This article, brought to you by CGlobal, the dedicated EPR consulting division of H2 Compliance, delves into the emerging landscape of textile EPR laws in the United States, looking beyond California to identify the states that are poised to implement significant changes in 2025 and beyond. We will focus on states with active legislation, discuss the key features of their proposed programs, and analyze the potential implications for businesses operating across the country.
Why Textile EPR is Gaining Momentum Across the US
The growing interest in textile EPR stems from a confluence of environmental, economic, and social factors:
- Environmental Concerns: The textile industry is a significant contributor to pollution and waste. From the energy and water consumed during production, the chemical dyes, treatments and finishes used, to the sheer volume of textiles sent to landfills, the environmental footprint is substantial. EPR aims to mitigate this impact by incentivizing producers to design more durable, recyclable products and to take responsibility for their end-of-life management.
- Landfill Capacity: Landfills across the US are facing increasing pressure. Textiles, often made from complex blends of materials, can take decades or even centuries to decompose in landfill conditions, releasing harmful greenhouse gases in the process. Diverting textiles from landfills through reuse and recycling programs is a key objective of EPR.
- Resource Recovery: Textiles contain valuable raw materials that can be recovered and reused, reducing the need for virgin resources and the associated environmental impacts of their extraction and processing. EPR programs can foster the development of infrastructure and technologies for textile-to-textile recycling, and other forms of material recovery.
- Supply Chain Visibility: Increased transparency efforts promote visibility through the whole value chain including where raw materials are sourced through final end-of-life disposition of fractional materials.
- Economic Opportunities: A well-designed textile EPR system can create new economic opportunities in collection, sorting, repair, reuse, and recycling. It can also incentivize innovation in sustainable textile manufacturing and design.
- International Precedents: Several European countries have already implemented successful textile EPR programs. These existing models provide valuable lessons and demonstrate the feasibility of such systems.
- Social Trends: Reuse and repair programs such as haute couture rental, community Fix It Fairs, and textile repurposing continue to gain traction with consumers.
Beyond the Golden State: US States Actively Pursuing Textile EPR in 2025
While California’s legislation sets a precedent, several other states are actively moving forward with their own textile EPR initiatives.
At the end of June, Rhode Island enacted HB5293, which amends their Health and Safety law to require the creation of a public education program on the value, importance, and proper methods to recycle textiles.
Although they did not become law during recently adjourned legislative sessions, two states proposed textile EPR legislation that are likely to be reintroduced that could lead to implementation in or around 2026:
1. Washington State: Laying the Groundwork for a Comprehensive Textile Recycling System
Washington State has emerged as a frontrunner in the push for textile EPR beyond California. In 2025, two pieces of textile legislation were introduced. The first focused on the fashion industry. It would have required the disclosure of environmental impacts made by fashion producers and sellers, and the identification of measures to reduce those impacts.
Also introduced was legislation aimed at establishing EPR for apparel and textiles, that emphasized repair and reuse.
Key Features of Washington’s Proposed Textile EPR Bill:
- Producer Responsibility: The bill would have placed the responsibility for financing and managing the end-of-life of textiles on the producers of apparel and textile products sold in the state.
- Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO): Producers would have been required register as or join a PRO which would be responsible for developing and implementing an EPR program. This organization would manage collection infrastructure, processing facilities, and public education campaigns.
- Collection Infrastructure: The PRO would establish convenient and accessible collection points for consumers to drop off unwanted textiles. This could include partnerships with existing thrift stores, dedicated collection events, and potentially mail-back programs.
- Performance Targets: The State would have set measurable performance targets for collection rates, reuse, and recycling, incentivizing producers to achieve meaningful results.
- Eco-modulation: The PRO would have incorporated eco-modulation principles into its plan, whereby producers of more durable, repairable, and recyclable products would pay lower fees, further incentivizing sustainable design practices.
2. New York State: Aiming for a Statewide Textile Waste Reduction and Recycling Program
New York State has also demonstrated interest in addressing textile waste through the reintroduction of its own textile EPR legislation. Although this bill did not pass, it proposed creation of a statewide textiles EPR program that holds textile producers accountable for the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle.
Key Features of New York’s Proposed Textile EPR Bill:
- Producer Funding and Operation: Similar to Washington’s proposal, New York’s bill mandated that textile producers finance and operate a system for the convenient and responsible collection and management of discarded textiles and apparel.
- Focus on Collection and Processing: The program would have prioritized the establishment of robust collection networks and the development of infrastructure for sorting, reuse, and recycling textiles.
- Emphasis on Reuse and Recycling: The legislation would have set goals for diverting textiles from landfills through reuse and recycling pathways, encouraging the development of markets for recovered textile materials.
- Consumer Education: Public awareness and education campaigns would have been a key component of the program to encourage consumer participation in textile collection and to promote more sustainable consumption habits.
- Potential for Integration with Existing Infrastructure: The program would have explored opportunities to integrate with existing waste management and recycling infrastructure where feasible.
Potential Impact to Businesses When Bills Like These Become Law in the Future
The implementation of textile EPR will require businesses selling textiles to:
- Be approved to become or participate in the producer responsibility organization (PRO) established to manage the program.
- Contribute financially to the program based on their market share and the environmental attributes of their products.
- Comply with reporting requirements related to their textile sales and product composition.
- Support consumer education efforts related to textile recycling and responsible disposal.
While also offering increased opportunities:
- EPR laws will expand funding and investment of end-markets for downcycling of currently discarded textiles. Applications include carpet padding / home insulation / fill for furniture / mattresses and toys / cloths and towels / erosion control and soil stabilization (called Geotextiles) / and car interiors to name a few.
- Investment from available EPR funds will not only increase applications but bring existing markets to scale and force iterative collaboration in the value chain to maximize efficiency.
Other States to Watch in the Textile EPR Landscape
While Washington and New York have had the most active legislative efforts for textile EPR, other states are also showing increasing interest in this issue. These states may be in earlier stages of research, stakeholder discussions, or the introduction of initial bills. It is crucial for businesses to stay informed about developments in states such as:
- Hawaii: Recently enacted a statewide needs assessment law, and will be investigating the needs and opportunities for EPR regulations
- Massachusetts: Has explored various waste reduction strategies and may consider textile EPR in the future.
- Oregon: A state with a strong track record in waste management and recycling, textile EPR could align with its existing sustainability goals.
The momentum behind textile EPR is building, and it is highly likely that more states will introduce and potentially enact similar legislation in the coming years as they seek to address the growing challenge of textile waste.
Preparing Your Business for the Expanding Textile EPR Landscape
The proliferation of state-level textile EPR laws presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses in the textile and apparel sectors. To navigate this evolving regulatory environment effectively, companies should take proactive steps:
- Stay Informed: Closely monitor legislative developments and regulatory updates related to textile EPR in the states where you operate or sell your products. Resources like industry associations, environmental advocacy groups, and specialized compliance firms can provide valuable information.
- Assess Your Product Portfolio: Evaluate the durability, repairability, and recyclability of your textile products. Design choices made now can significantly impact your future compliance obligations and potential EPR fees.
- Understand Material Composition: Have a clear understanding of the materials used in your products, including blends and any potentially problematic substances that could hinder recycling processes.
- Engage with Stakeholders: Participate in industry discussions and consultations related to textile EPR. Providing your input can help shape the development of effective and practical programs.
- Explore Sustainable Practices: Invest in sustainable design, manufacturing processes, and sourcing of recycled and more environmentally friendly materials. This can not only reduce your environmental impact but also potentially lower your EPR fees through eco-modulation.
- Plan for Data Collection and Reporting: Prepare systems for collecting and reporting data on the volume and types of textiles you sell in different states, as this information will likely be required for EPR compliance.
- Consider Partnerships: Explore collaborations with reuse and recycling organizations, technology providers, and other stakeholders in the textile waste management ecosystem.
The Role of CGlobal in Navigating Textile EPR Compliance
As the EPR consulting division of H2 Compliance, CGlobal is committed to providing businesses in the textile and apparel industries with the expertise and support they need to navigate the complex and evolving landscape of Extended Producer Responsibility regulations. Our team of experienced EPR consultants offers a comprehensive suite of services, including:
- Regulatory Monitoring and Analysis: We stay abreast of the latest developments in textile EPR legislation across the US and provide timely updates and analysis to our clients.
- Compliance Strategy Development: We work with businesses to develop tailored compliance strategies that align with their specific needs and operational footprint.
- Impact Assessment: We help companies assess the potential financial and operational impacts of emerging textile EPR regulations.
- Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) Support: We guide businesses through the process of joining and complying with PROs.
- Data Management and Reporting Solutions: We provide solutions to streamline data collection, reporting, and fee calculation for EPR compliance.
- Sustainability Consulting: We offer expert advice on sustainable product design, material selection, and end-of-life management strategies to help businesses reduce their environmental impact and potentially lower EPR costs.
Conclusion: Embracing Producer Responsibility for a Sustainable Textile Future
The growing momentum behind textile EPR in the United States signifies a fundamental shift towards and greater producer accountability for the environmental footprint of their products. While California’s pioneering efforts have set the stage, states like Washington and New York are actively pursuing their own legislative paths, and more states are likely to follow.
For businesses in the textile and apparel industries, understanding and preparing for this evolving regulatory landscape is crucial for ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, and potentially unlocking opportunities for innovation and sustainability. By embracing the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the US can move towards a more circular economy for textiles, reducing waste, conserving resources, and building a more sustainable future for the industry.
Navigating the complexities of textile EPR can be challenging. Connect with our experienced EPR consultants at CGlobal today for personalized guidance and solutions tailored to your business needs. Contact us to learn how we can help you stay ahead of the curve and ensure compliance with emerging textile EPR regulations across the United States.
Published August 25th, 2025
This article was generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence.