NYC lawmakers to consider cracking down on paper receipts New York City lawmakers may ban paper receipts coated with the chemical BPA and require retailers to offer emailed receipts instead of paper ones

NEW YORK -- New York 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.