Are Receipts Recyclable? What You Need to Know About Thermal Paper

Regarding everyday waste, receipts might not seem like a big deal. But have you ever wondered if they're recyclable? The short answer is no, most receipts are not recyclable, and here's why.

Are Receipts Recyclable?

The recyclability of receipts depends largely on the type of paper used. Let's break it down:

● Traditional Paper Receipts

Traditional paper receipts are made from standard paper without any special coatings, and they are fully recyclable. Printed with ink on plain paper, they can generally be placed in paper recycling bins without issue.

However, traditional paper receipts have become less common due to the efficiency and popularity of thermal printing.

● Thermal Paper Receipts

Most receipts are made from thermal paper, which often has a shiny appearance. Today, industries such as retail, food service, hospitality, and public services increasingly rely on thermal receipt printers to generate bills, orders, and other transaction records.

Thermal paper receipts are coated with chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) or bisphenol S (BPS), which enable heat-sensitive printing without the need for ink.

Unfortunately, thermal receipts, with their chemical coatings, cannot be recycled and must be disposed of carefully.

During the recycling process, the chemicals in thermal receipts can contaminate other materials, such as recycled tissue paper or shopping bags, potentially posing health risks to consumers. This contamination makes thermal receipts unsuitable for most recycling systems.

How Bad are Receipts to Hold?

You might be wondering:Is just touching a receipt bad? Thermal paper receipts often contain small amounts of BPA or BPS chemicals that can be absorbed through skin contact. While briefly handling receipts for normal transactions isn't typically a major concern.

Studies have shown that handling thermal paper receipts can transfer significant amounts of these chemicals to the skin, potentially increasing the risk of health issues. The risk is higher for people who handle many receipts like cashiers, or if your hands are wet when touching them.

How to Dispose of Receipts

Since most receipts are not recyclable, here are some disposal recommendations to keep in mind:

● Throw Them in the Trash

While it may feel counterintuitive to discard paper in the trash, this is the safest option for thermal receipts. Tossing them into recycling bins risks contaminating other recyclable materials.

● Wash Your Hands

After handling receipts, especially thermal ones, wash your hands to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals like BPA and BPS.

● Go Digital

If you want to reduce paper waste altogether, opt for digital receipts whenever possible. Many businesses now offer electronic receipt options, which eliminate the need for physical receipts and help minimize waste.

The issue with receipt recycling highlights the broader challenge of managing waste in a sustainable way. While it's unfortunate that most receipts are not recyclable, there's hope in the shift towards digital receipts and eco-friendly practices.

Eco-Friendly POS Printers with BPA-Free Thermal Paper

If you're looking for safer and more sustainable alternatives, HPRT provides high-quality POS printers paired with BPA-free thermal paper. These eco-friendly solutions reduce the risks associated with traditional thermal paper and align with sustainable business practices.

Interested in learning more? Feel free to contact us today!