What to Know
- NYC lawmakers are considering a ban on some paper receipts and a requirement retailers offer emailed receipts instead of paper ones
- Lawmakers are considering the ban on receipts coated with the chemical BPA, which some studies show may harm the female reproductive system
- Some bills could require stores to offer e-receipts, for receipts be printed on recyclable paper and for businesses to recycle receipts
Move over plastic straws and styrofoam — there's a new item potentially hitting the banned list in New York City.
City lawmakers are considering a ban on paper receipts coated with the chemical BPA and a requirement that retailers offer emailed receipts instead of paper ones.
The City Council announced last week that it will hold hearings on a package of bills aimed at cracking down on paper receipts.
"Nobody needs foot-long receipts," said Council Speaker Corey Johnson, a Democrat. "We will work with businesses and consumers to cut out paper receipt waste and protect the planet. Let's not print receipts when they aren't wanted, especially when we have technology to issue environmentally friendly alternatives."
Most cash register receipts are coated with bisphenol A, known as BPA, or the related chemical BPS. Some studies have determined the chemicals could harm the female reproductive system at high levels.
The City Council will consider bills in the next few months to restrict the use of BPA-coated paper, to require stores to offer e-receipts, to require that receipts be printed on recyclable paper and to require businesses to recycle receipts.
