Most receipts are printed on thermal paper, which contains chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) or Bisphenol S (BPS). These chemicals can be harmful to the environment if released during the recycling process.

Additionally, many receipts are coated with a layer of plastic or contain other non-recyclable elements, making them unsuitable for traditional recycling methods. If receipts are mixed with other recyclable materials like paper or cardboard, they can contaminate the recycling stream, making it difficult to recycle the entire batch. Therefore, You should not put receipts in the recycle bin mainly due to their composition and potential contamination.

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On the other hand, there are recyclable and compostable receipts, but they are far less common and popular as the thermal paper receipts that most stores use because of the high costs. The EPN's estimate of 80% thermal paper usage in receipts in the USA is based on a survey of businesses in the retail, food service, and hospitality industries. The survey found that 83% of businesses in these industries used thermal paper receipts in 2018.

As a result, it is best to dispose of receipts properly in regular waste bins instead of the recycle bin. However, if you want to be more environmentally conscious, consider opting for digital receipts whenever possible, as they help reduce paper waste and the associated environmental impact.

 

Sources: https://recyclecoach.com/.../the-problem-with-recycling.../

https://www.cbsnews.com/.../bpa-receipts-major-store.../