Matt sent Consumerist an e-mail with the subject line, “Why is my receipt two feet long?” See, he shopped at CVS, purchased one item, used the self-checkout machine, and walked away with a receipt longer than my dog. This is a massive waste of paper, especially when you multiply it by the number of CVS stores and the number of purchases at each one, but it isn’t completely pointless.

A closer look at his receipt shows that most of its impressive size comes from coupons. One offers a gift card for transferred prescriptions, and the other $5 off a purchase of $15 or more. Both useful. In fact, many people are annoyed when they don’t receive the ExtraCare coupons, and still others have turned the combination of manufacturer’s and ExtraCare Coupons into a personal care item stockpiling game.

Still, I bought two items at a Rite-Aid store last week and walked away with a similarly long receipt, but mine didn’t offer any useful coupons. It did, however, have promotional messages and an invitation to take a phone survey. I recycled it before I had a chance to photograph it next to a yardstick. Pity.

Protip if you don’t want long receipts at CVS: Don’t use your loyalty card. Even that will only make the situation a little bit better.

PREVIOUSLY:
What Goes Into A Foot-Long Toys R Us Receipt?
Customer Wants To Know What Happened To CVS Extra Care Coupons

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.