Yellowstone pulls 20,100 pieces of trash from hydrothermal areas
Yellowstone National Park staff have removed more than 20,100 pieces of trash from hydrothermal areas so far in 2026, a record-setting year for cleanup efforts led by the park’s geology team. The removals matter because foreign material can damage or permanently alter the park’s hydrothermal features, according to the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.
The geology team has also pulled out 5,600 rocks and sticks and more than 280 hats from hydrothermal areas.
“Foreign material of any kind can damage or permanently alter a hydrothermal feature, whether from clogging its water supply, blocking or diverting its runoff channel, or polluting it with chemicals and sediment,” the geology team said in a press release.
The team pointed to Morning Glory Pool in Upper Geyser Basin, which they said changed its color in the twentieth century because of trash and items thrown in by visitors. Park staff have previously partially drained Morning Glory to remove debris. Geology staff, trained in “safe hydrothermal navigation,” now handle the majority of removals.
More than $18 in coins had been recovered from the hydrothermal areas as of early September. Most were thrown into hot springs or geysers, though some appear to have been dropped between boardwalk planks.
“Contrary to (apparently) popular belief, hot springs are not wishing wells!” the geology team wrote.
Coins pose a particular risk because they can harm bacterial and algal formations that can take months or years to recover. Currency from the U.S. was common, but geologists also found pesos, yen, euros and Canadian dollars.
Jewelry including earrings, necklaces and bracelets was also recovered.
Beyond general garbage and hats, the most commonly collected items were camera lens caps (54), hair ties (47), hotel key cards (20), binkies (17), pencils (42) and sunglasses (36).
The geology team also recovered six Invisalign retainers, 15 fake nails, floss picks and a lump of pink children’s slime stuck to geyserite sinter pieces.
Confusing finds included five AirPods, three Delta Flight Pins, an inhaler, golf tees and a single Uno game card. Toys recovered included toy race cars, a rubber duck, junior ranger badges, small figurines and a McDonald’s toy released in 2010.
Staff favorites included seven instant or Polaroid pictures, several of which depicted the hydrothermal features where they were found, six Yellowstone pressed pennies, four Pokemon cards and figurines, and a 2-inch copy of The Vampire Diaries.
Notable hats included a FIFA 2026 Men’s World Cup hat, a Roblox bucket hat from St. Kitts and Nevis, and a baseball hat that read “COWBOY HAT.” Yellowstone said it will wash and donate any rewearable hats to local organizations at the end of the season.
“If you’re traveling through Yellowstone National Park, especially in hydrothermal areas, make sure to ‘stash your trash,'” the geology team said. “Put wrappers, tissues, and other easily windblown items deep in your pockets, a bag, or, even better, a trash can. If you’re adventuring in a windy area, consider tightening or taking off your hat. And remember, trails and boardwalks keep you safe, so stay on the path!”
