Can you recycle receipts?

🗑️ LandfillMost aren't — shiny thermal receipts go in the trash.

Most store receipts are printed on thermal paper, which is coated with BPA or BPS. That coating means they're not recyclable — they contaminate the paper stream — and they shouldn't be composted either. Thermal receipts go in the black landfill cart.

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How to tell

Thermal paper is smooth and slightly shiny, and the print fades or turns black if you scratch it with a fingernail or hold it to heat. If it does that, it's thermal — trash it. A plain, matte paper receipt printed with regular ink can be recycled with office paper.

Why not recycling or compost

The BPA/BPS coating is a chemical contaminant. Recyclers reject thermal paper because it taints recycled-paper batches, and you don't want that coating in compost that may touch food or soil.

Cut down on them

Choosing digital/emailed receipts at checkout is the cleanest fix — no paper, no coating, nothing to throw away.

Receipts — quick FAQ

Are paper receipts recyclable?
Most aren't. Store receipts are usually thermal paper coated with BPA/BPS, which isn't recyclable — it goes in the black trash cart. Plain matte-paper receipts can be recycled.
How do I know if a receipt is thermal paper?
Scratch it with your fingernail — thermal paper darkens or the print fades. It's also smooth and slightly glossy. If it reacts, it's thermal and belongs in the trash.
Can you compost receipts?
No — the BPA/BPS coating on thermal receipts shouldn't go into compost. Put them in the landfill cart.
What's the best way to reduce receipt waste?
Opt for digital or emailed receipts at checkout so there's no thermal paper to throw away.

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