Yellowstone Trash Crisis: Record 20,100 Items Removed from Hot Springs 2026

Yellowstone National Park staffers have retrieved a record 20,100 pieces of trash from hydrothermal areas so far this year, highlighting a growing crisis in one of America's most iconic national parks.

The most commonly found items include 280 hats, 54 camera lens caps, 47 hair ties, 42 pencils, 36 pairs of sunglasses, 20 hotel key cards, and 17 baby pacifiers. The park's high winds are a major factor, as unexpected gusts easily blow away tissues, maps, food wrappers, and even heavier items like sunglasses and hats. Additionally, some visitors treat the hot springs like wishing wells; the Yellowstone Geology team collected more than $18 in coins during summer 2026, in currencies ranging from dollars and pesos to yen and euros.

Why Trash in Hot Springs Is a Serious Problem

Foreign material of any kind can damage or permanently alter a hydrothermal feature. According to Margery Price, a physical science technician with the Yellowstone National Park Geology Program, trash can clog water supplies, block or divert runoff channels, or pollute the springs with chemicals and sediment. This can have lasting effects on these delicate ecosystems.

The famous Morning Glory Pool is a cautionary tale. In the 1900s, it changed color from vibrant blue to a murky green due to years of visitors throwing trash and coins into it. Despite efforts to restore it, the pool has never fully returned to its original hue.

What Items Are Being Left Behind?

Below is a breakdown of the most commonly retrieved items from Yellowstone's hydrothermal areas in 2026:

How You Can Help Protect Yellowstone

With more than 4.5 million visitors annually, Yellowstone is one of the most highly visited national parks in the United States. Every visitor plays a role in preserving its natural wonders. Here are key takeaways to minimize your impact:

• Secure your belongings: Hold onto hats, sunglasses, and other loose items, especially on windy days.
• Don't throw anything into hot springs: Coins, rocks, and trash can cause irreparable damage.
• Stay on designated boardwalks: Venturing off-trail not only risks your safety but also increases the chance of dropping items into thermal features.
• Pack out what you pack in: Take all trash with you and dispose of it properly in bear-proof containers.
• Educate others: Share the importance of protecting these fragile environments with fellow visitors.

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