Salem, Oregon — A significant legislative step towards addressing textile waste in Oregon was taken on April 15, 2025, as the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee successfully passed House Bill 345. Officially known as the “Oregon Sustainable Textile Recycling and Innovation Act” (OSTRI Act), the bill proposes the creation of a substantial $12 million statewide fund aimed at fostering innovation in textile waste reduction and recycling efforts across the state.
Sponsored by Representative Anya Sharma, a Democrat representing Portland, the bill cleared the committee with a decisive 7-2 vote, signaling growing support within the legislature for tackling the environmental challenges posed by textile waste. If enacted, the proposed fund would be administered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), tasked with distributing the resources to eligible businesses and non-profit organizations working on cutting-edge solutions.
The Growing Problem of Textile Waste
Textile waste represents a considerable and often overlooked component of the waste stream heading to landfills. Proponents of the OSTRI Act, including representatives from the “Oregon Fashion Coalition for Sustainability” and researchers affiliated with the University of Oregon, emphasize the scale of the issue. They highlight that textiles currently constitute over 5% of the total landfill waste, a figure that underscores the urgent need for more effective disposal and recycling methods.
The linear model of textile production – where materials are created, used, and then discarded – has significant environmental consequences, from resource depletion and pollution during manufacturing to methane emissions in landfills. Developing a more circular economy for textiles is seen as critical for reducing environmental impact and conserving valuable resources.
Key Provisions of the OSTRI Act
House Bill 345 outlines a clear vision for how Oregon can transition towards a more sustainable textile ecosystem. The core of the legislation is the establishment of the $12 million fund. This funding is specifically earmarked to catalyze innovation within the state’s nascent textile recycling and reuse sector.
Administered by the ODEQ, the fund would provide financial support, likely through grants or other investment mechanisms, to projects focused on:
* Developing new technologies for sorting and processing mixed textile waste.
* Creating infrastructure for collecting and diverting textiles from landfills.
* Supporting businesses that recycle textiles into new materials or products.
* Funding non-profits involved in textile reuse, repair, and educational programs.
* Research into sustainable textile materials and end-of-life solutions.
The legislation aims to incentivize private sector ingenuity and bolster the capacity of non-profit organizations already working in this space, enabling them to scale their operations and impact.
Economic and Environmental Goals Intersect
Beyond the direct environmental benefits of reducing landfill waste, supporters argue that the OSTRI Act presents a significant economic opportunity for Oregon. By investing in textile recycling and innovation, the state can stimulate job creation in new industries.
The “Oregon Fashion Coalition for Sustainability” has been a vocal advocate, pointing out that establishing a robust local textile recycling infrastructure can create green jobs, foster local businesses, and position Oregon as a leader in sustainable fashion and materials management. Researchers from the University of Oregon have provided data supporting the environmental case, underlining how diverting textiles from landfills contributes directly to the state’s broader waste reduction and climate goals.
Meeting ambitious state targets, such as Oregon’s 2030 waste diversion goals, requires addressing all significant components of the waste stream. The sponsors and proponents of the OSTRI Act believe that a dedicated fund for textiles is a necessary and strategic investment to achieve these targets and build a more resilient and sustainable economy.
Next Steps in the Legislative Journey
With its passage through the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, House Bill 345 now moves forward in the legislative process. The strong bipartisan support in the committee vote (7-2) suggests a positive outlook, but the bill must still be considered by the full House of Representatives and subsequently by the Oregon Senate before it can reach the Governor’s desk for signing into law.
The legislative process involves further debate, potential amendments, and scrutiny from various stakeholders. However, the committee’s approval marks a crucial milestone, reflecting a legislative willingness to allocate resources towards innovative solutions for a pressing environmental issue. The focus now shifts to generating broader support within the legislature to ensure the bill’s ultimate passage and the establishment of this potentially transformative fund for sustainable textile recycling in Oregon.
