Many consumers put receipts in paper or waste baskets, reasoning that this is how they act ecologically. This is simply a serious mistake.which may consequence with a mandate of up to PLN 500And it's bad for the environment. Although they appear to look like average paper mars, most receipts are printed on thermal paperwhich contains Harmful chemicals, hazardous in the recycling process.
What makes a receipt a mixed waste?
The receipts are most frequently printed on thermal paper – is simply a chemical coated material that allows printing without utilizing ink. The main problem is the presence bisphenol A (BPA) – a chemical compound suspected of having a negative impact on human hormonal economy.
Thermal paper, put in a paper container, Contaminants of the full waste stream. If it is recycled together with clean paper, it can lead to contamination of processed natural materials that are later used, among others, for production food packaging. This in turn endanger the wellness of consumers.
Where should I throw my receipts properly?
Under current rules selective collection of municipal waste, receipts should be posted in a container for mixed (black) waste. This reduces the hazard of contamination of another natural materials and enables the safe disposal of thermal paper.
Mixed waste should besides include another types of paper waste that cannot be recycled, specified as:
- Dirty paper towels
- Used handkerchiefs
- Fatty food packaging
- Paper coated with foil or plastic
How do you admit thermal paper?
Not all receipt is printed on thermal paper, but its recognition is very simple. Just a nail on the paper surface – if you appear dark streakIt means we're dealing with thermal paper. That's a receipt. should always go to mixed waste.
Thermal paper is commonly utilized in:
- food stores,
- pharmaceuticals,
- petrol stations,
- service points,
- clothing and electronic stores.
What are the chances of putting a receipt in the incorrect container?
Invalid waste segregation is not only an environmental risk, but besides an environmental risk. real financial sanction. According to the regulations in force, the hazard of dumping waste into inappropriate containers a mandate of up to PLN 500.
Many municipalities are run regular checks on the content of waste containers. If irregularities are detected:
- you can stay fined,
- the municipality may charge a higher charge for receiving waste – alleged ‘criminal rate’,
- The full batch of natural materials collected (e.g. waste) may stay considered mixed and hit the landfill, which increases costs and environmental damage.
Why is it so important?
Though 1 receipt seems inconspicuous, across the country it means millions of wastes per daywhich could possibly contaminate the recycling system. Correct segregation is not only a statutory obligation, but besides real contribution to environmental protection.
The contamination of secondary natural materials by thermal paper means:
- higher costs for recycling companies,
- the request to dispose of full lots of natural materials collected,
- emissions of additional pollutants related to transport and storage,
- reducing the efficiency of the circular economy system.
What is worth remembering?
- Paragon is not waste paper. – should go into a black container.
- See if it's thermal paper. – decision the nail on the surface.
- Don't throw it in the blue basket, even if the receipt looks clean.
- You're risking a ticket. – municipalities increasingly enforce segregation rules.
- Protect the environment and natural materials – contaminated recycling is waste.
Conscious waste management starts with regular choices. The receipt is only a insignificant element, but its incorrect disposal has serious consequences. It is worth remembering all time you visit the store.
Read more:
You're throwing a receipt in the blue basket? This is simply a mistake, which threatens 500 PLN of the ticket
