Shopping dockets and cash receipts are processed on thermal paper and contain BPA – an endocrine disrupter linked to fertility issues, impotence, heart disease and some cancers.
BPA found in receipts and other thermal paper is in a free chemical form and has the potential to be more readily released and absorbed. Alcohol based body lotions and hand sanitiser were found to increase absorption of BPA.
There is a potential for BPA found in receipts to make its way into other recycled paper products if included in the yellow bin. Studies also found BPA in compost tea when composted.
It is safest for receipts to be put in the Red Bin.