 | Report Finds "Toxic" Chemicals Present in 80% of Receipts from Major Store Chains |
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Most store receipts should not be placed in curbside recycling or compost bins. Many are printed on thermal paper, which is coated with chemicals that develop an image when heated rather than using ink.
Thermal receipts may contain bisphenol A, known as BPA, bisphenol S, known as BPS, or other chemical developers. These coatings can contaminate recycled paper and compost. When in doubt, place a standard store receipt in the trash and choose a digital receipt when available. 1771
Why thermal receipts are different
Thermal-paper receipts are common at grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, gas stations, clothing stores, and other retailers. They often have a smooth, shiny surface, and the printing may darken when exposed to heat.
BPA and BPS act as chemical developers in many thermal papers. Unlike chemicals bound into some materials, these substances can be present in a free form on the paper surface and may transfer through handling or enter paper-recycling processes. EPA notes that recycling thermal paper can introduce residual BPA into recycled-paper products and wastewater from recycling operations.
Do not recycle or compost most receipts
Do not place typical thermal-paper receipts in:
Curbside paper recycling
Mixed-paper recycling
Cardboard recycling
Home compost
Municipal compost or organics bins
Shredded-paper recycling
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency specifically recommends keeping thermal receipt paper out of both recycling and compost because BPA, BPS, and other embedded chemicals can contaminate recycled paper or compost.
Place standard thermal receipts in regular household trash unless your local waste authority provides different instructions.
Are all receipts thermal paper?
No. Some receipts are printed on ordinary paper with ink and may be recyclable if local rules allow. However, it is often difficult for consumers to identify receipt-paper chemistry with certainty.
Use these practical guidelines:
Receipt type | Recommended action |
Smooth, shiny, heat-sensitive receipt | Put it in household trash, not recycling or compost |
Typical store, restaurant, pharmacy, gas-station, or credit-card receipt | Assume it is thermal paper and put it in household trash unless the business confirms otherwise |
Plain paper receipt printed with ink | Check local paper-recycling rules. Recycle only if your program accepts it. |
Receipt clearly labeled recyclable, phenol-free, BPA-free, BPS-free, or compostable | Follow the manufacturer’s certification and your local program’s rules. Do not assume every “BPA-free” receipt is recyclable. |
Digital receipt | No paper waste. Save, organize, or delete it according to your privacy preferences. |
A 2023 study found that BPS had become the most frequently detected developer in sampled U.S. thermal receipts, while BPA appeared less often. That means “BPA-free” does not necessarily mean a receipt is free of other chemical developers or accepted by local recyclers.
Reduce receipt waste
The most effective way to reduce receipt waste is to avoid creating it when possible.
Consider:
Choosing email, text-message, app-based, or digital receipts.
Declining a receipt for low-cost purchases when you do not need one.
Using retailer accounts or payment apps that store purchase records digitally.
Keeping paper receipts only when needed for returns, warranties, reimbursements, taxes, medical expenses, or business records.
Taking a photo or scanning a needed receipt before disposing of it.
Storing essential records digitally in a secure folder or receipt-management app.
Digital receipts reduce paper waste, but they may involve email marketing, account tracking, or data collection. Review a retailer’s privacy settings before opting in.
Handling receipts
For most people, occasional receipt handling is not a reason for alarm. People who handle receipts frequently at work, such as cashiers, restaurant workers, and pharmacy employees, may have greater exposure to thermal-paper chemicals. EPA notes that workers who handle thermal paper often may face higher potential exposure to BPA.
Practical precautions include:
Wash hands after handling many receipts and before eating.
Avoid giving thermal receipts to young children to hold or play with.
Keep receipts away from food.
Do not use thermal receipts for crafts, children’s activities, bookmarks, or food wrapping.
Store only the receipts you need, then dispose of them in household trash.
What about recyclable or compostable receipts?
Some companies offer phenol-free, BPA-free, BPS-free, recyclable, or compostable receipt paper. These alternatives are not yet universal, and acceptance depends on the product certification and the local recycling or composting program.
Do not assume a receipt is recyclable or compostable simply because it is described as “eco-friendly,” “BPA-free,” or “paper.” Follow the instructions printed on the receipt, verify the manufacturer’s certification, and check your local program’s policy.
Quick checklist
Assume a typical store receipt is thermal paper unless confirmed otherwise.
Keep thermal receipts out of curbside recycling and compost.
Put standard thermal receipts in household trash.
Choose digital receipts when practical.
Save paper receipts only when needed for returns, warranties, tax records, or reimbursements.
Wash hands after frequent handling of receipts.
Do not give receipts to children as toys or use them in crafts.
Check local rules for plain-paper, recyclable, or certified compostable receipts.
Sources
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, BPA and BPS in Thermal Paper
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Partnership to Evaluate Alternatives to Bisphenol A in Thermal Paper
Science of the Total Environment, Bisphenols and Alternative Developers in Thermal Paper Receipts
Ecology Center, About BPA and BPS in Receipt Paper
Institute for Environmental Research and Education, Can Receipts Be Recycled?