Washington, D.C.: The U.S. Senate EPW Committee unanimously approves the STEWARD Act, aiming to enhance textile recycling infrastructure and data collection. Co-sponsored by key senators, this legislation marks a pivotal shift in federal focus on textile waste management.

The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee has taken a significant step towards enhancing textile recycling initiatives by endorsing the Strategies to Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development (STEWARD) Act. The unanimous approval, granted on 5 February, is part of a concerted effort to improve the infrastructure and data collection processes related to textile recycling across the nation.

The STEWARD Act was co-sponsored by key figures in the committee, including Chairman Shelley Moore Capito, Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse, and Senator John Boozman. This legislation seeks to effectively monitor textile waste alongside other materials, marking a notable shift in focus towards an area that has historically been overlooked in federal recycling efforts.

American Circular Textiles (ACT), an organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable textile practices, has lauded the committee’s decision. They highlighted the long-standing neglect of textiles within federal recycling programs and expressed optimism regarding the increased recognition of the need for enhanced data collection in this sector.

The STEWARD Act is poised to impact how textile waste is managed, providing a structured approach to improving recycling infrastructure and fostering a more sustainable future for textile consumption.

For further details on the implications of this new legislation, readers can access the complete article on the Just Style publication.

Source: Noah Wire Services