Abstract
Medical textiles—including linens, scrubs, towels, and gowns—are essential in clinical settings but contribute significantly to healthcare’s environmental footprint. California’s Senate Bill 707 (SB 707, Newman, 2024) establishes the first textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program in the United States, requiring manufacturers to fund and operate collection, repair, and recycling systems for covered textiles. This article, authored by the bill’s sponsor, outlines the scientific, stakeholder, and legislative processes that shaped SB 707, with particular focus on its implications for healthcare. Through pilot programs and fiber audits, findings showed that most discarded medical textiles are reusable or recyclable yet lack adequate collection, repair, and reuse distribution infrastructure. The policy is designed to reduce costs, improve supply chain resilience, and lower climate and public health impacts—without placing additional burden on healthcare providers. Hospitals and healthcare facilities can participate in the EPR program at no cost and are encouraged to support implementation by identifying eligible products, hosting collection sites, and advocating for reuse and repair within their systems.