The GAO highlights how the rapid turnover of low-cost, low-quality fashion has driven a 50% increase in textile waste over the past two decades.
The GAO report calls for a national textiles strategy focused on improving recycling technologies, expanding collection systems, and transitioning to a circular economy.
California established the nation's first extended producer responsibility law, which will require the fashion industry to support recycling infrastructure starting in 2026.
Each year, approximately 17 million tons of textiles are discarded in the U.S., with only 15% being recycled and the remainder ending up in landfills or incinerators.
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