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Once your oversized CVS receipt has served its purpose as a makeshift scarf or wedding accessory, you might think recycling it is the eco-friendly choice. However, CVS receipts are likely not recyclable.
Unlike regular printer paper, drugstore receipts are thinner and have a shiny coating. According to Lifehacker, this is thermal paper, which uses heat instead of ink to print text. The glossy finish comes from a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA), which has raised health concerns among many people.
BPA closely mimics estradiol, a type of estrogen, and can bind to estrogen receptors in the body. This interaction may disrupt energy levels, cell repair, reproductive health, and thyroid function. However, research on BPA's effects remains inconclusive, with some studies suggesting its risks are overestimated. Despite the uncertainty, many companies have chosen to avoid BPA in their products as a precautionary measure.
BPA remains widely used in receipts and can be challenging to eliminate during recycling. Recyclebank notes that this could result in BPA traces appearing in recycled paper products. To mitigate this risk, many recycling programs exclude such materials from the start.
Recycling guidelines vary by location, so it’s best to confirm with your local program whether they accept BPA-containing receipts. If not, consider opting out of printed CVS receipts altogether—learn how to do so here.
