Can I put receipts in my compost bin?
NO ✋🏼
You can't put receipts into your composting bin!
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5+ years⏳
170:1⚖️
Get the right balance of brown and green composting materials in your bin with our expert guide.
No, receipts are not safe to put in the composting bin.
Most receipts are printed on thermal paper, which contains chemicals that may be harmful to plants or animals when broken down in the composting process.
It's best to dispose of receipts in the regular trash bin.
Most receipts are printed on thermal paper, which relies on a chemical reaction to produce the printing.
This type of paper contains a coating that is sensitive to heat, typically made up of a mixture of chemicals.
The most common chemical used is bisphenol A (BPA) or a related compound called bisphenol S (BPS).
BPA and BPS are both known as endocrine disruptors.
They can mimic or interfere with the natural hormone activity in living organisms.
These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including reproductive problems, developmental disorders, and even certain types of cancers.
When composted, the thermal paper can break down, releasing these chemicals into the compost pile.
Since compost is often used in gardens or to enrich soil, the chemicals from the receipts could potentially harm the plants, soil organisms, or even contaminate the food grown in that soil.
To ensure the safety of your compost and the environment, it's best to avoid adding thermal paper like receipts to the composting bin and dispose of them in the regular trash instead.
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