Paper Receipts Trash Even if the retailer claims that their receipts are recyclable or compostable, Athens still requires that they be placed in the trash. Most receipts are made from thermal paper that can include chemicals such as BPA and BPS, which renders them unrecyclable and not compostable. Once at a recycling facility, the receipt material cannot be identified. To protect the quality of recyclable paper, receipts are sent to the landfill. Do Not Recycle Most receipts are made from a combination of plastic and paper, and they also contain a harmful chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA). Since the materials cannot be separated and BPA cannot be removed from the paper, receipts are not recyclable. Do Not Burn Avoid using receipts to light fires. Burning receipts releases toxic chemicals onto the air that are harmful to inhale. Ways to Reduce Decline Receipts Decline paper receipts whenever possible. If available, choose email or text receipts instead.