Always wondering what to toss in the recycling bin or trash can? We received this reader question in our email box about paper receipts from Melissa:

I have always recycled receipts, but was recently told that they are not recyclable. Do you know whether or not I can recycle them?

I don’t know about you, but this seems a perfect question for our “Where Can I Wednesday” column.

Can you recycle paper receipts in Philadelphia?

It’s a little complicated, depending on what type of receipts you receive.

Typically, a lot of paper receipts are coated with BPA, or that hormone disruptor that’s linked to health problems like reproductive cancers, low sperm counts, behavior problems, obesity and diabetes. (Ewww.)

BPA can also contaminate single-stream recycling, too.

Old school retailers may give paper receipts without BPA, but it’s hard to tell.

The punchline? Play it safe and toss those paper receipts in the trash. Or take it a step further and see if you can avoid taking receipts overall.

Image: Flickr

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher