Washington State’s First-in-the-Nation Ban on Toxic Bisphenols in Receipts Takes Effect

OLYMPIA, WA—On January 1, 2026, a new rule took effect in Washington state banning all bisphenols in receipt paper, prioritizing the health of people and safer solutions. This makes Washington the first state in the nation to take this action.

Millions of people handle receipts every day from restaurants, retailers, and pharmacies. This has been a hidden source of exposure to bisphenols. These chemicals even rub off onto money. Cashiers and other retail workers face especially high risks, because the chemicals transfer from paper to skin. The new rules, adopted under the state’s Safer Products law, applies to thermal receipt paper, as well as thermal paper used for tickets and labels.

“This is what health-protective policy looks like,” said Cheri Peele, director of government and market policy at Toxic-Free Future. “By banning all bisphenols in receipts, Washington is putting people’s health first and stopping toxic chemicals before they reach workers’ hands and families’ homes. Just as importantly, the state determined there are safer alternatives available—and that we don’t have to accept outdated harmful chemicals as the cost of doing business.”