Yes paper can be recycled. However thermal receipts and carbon paper are coated in chemicals which contaminate the paper recycling system.
We are parting ways with the official NEA directive here: put these in the trash. Industry experts (eg GHS) broadly recommend to not send such paper for recycling.
We expect this may change one day when the offending chemicals have all been removed from thermal receipts (ie BPA free paper).
In the meantime, chuck it.
If your receipt is not thermal, it is OK to recycle as paper.
How can you tell? Scratch the printed side of the paper. If you see a dark mark, the paper is thermal.
Thermal receipts and carbon paper are often contain Bisphenol A (BPA) a hormone mimicking chemical. BPA can contribute to a number of health problems.
Studies have shown that skin absorption of BPA can occur when handling these papers even for just a short period of time. Here's some tips to reduce your exposure to these receipts.
There are growing regulations around the world to limit the amount of BPA in paper. One day, this will no longer be a concern.
