What was found among 20K pieces of trash pulled from Yellowstone hydrothermal areas

YELLOWSTONE, Wyo. ( KTVX ) — Where can you find hundreds of hats, dozens of camera lens covers, and a handful of Pokémon cards all left behind in the same place? That’s right! The hydrothermal areas at Yellowstone National Park.

According to a press release from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, 2026 has already been a record-setting year in terms of trash removal. As of early September, the geology team has removed over 20,100 pieces of trash, 5,600 rocks and sticks, and over 280 hats from hydrothermal areas.

Removing the trash doesn’t just beautify the park and its environment, but it’s important to the hydrothermal areas’ function and longevity.

“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. Morning Glory Pool, in Upper Geyser Basin, famously changed its color in the twentieth century as a result of trash and items thrown in by visitors,” the national park’s geology team explained.

In the past, Yellowstone National Park staff have gone as far as partially draining Morning Glory to remove garbage and debris. The geology staff, trained in “safe hydrothermal navigation,” now handle the majority of removal in hydrothermal areas.

What they find can be surprising, and the national park shared all of it, from common to funny to weird.

What was in the hydrothermal areas this year?

More than 280 hats were recovered from the hydrothermal areas at Yellowstone National Park. Some standouts were 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.”

But what to do with so many hats? Yellowstone will wash and donate any rewearable hats to local organizations at the end of the season.

“Contrary to (apparently) popular belief, hot springs are not wishing wells!” the Yellowstone geology team writes.

So far in 2026, more than $18 in coins have been removed from hydrothermal areas. They pose a special risk, as they can harm bacterial and algal formations, which can take months or even years to undo.

Most of the coins were thrown into hot springs or geysers, though some seem to have been accidentally dropped between boardwalk planks. Currency from the U.S. was common, but geologists also found pesos, yen, euros, and Canadian dollars.

Plenty of jewelry, from earrings to necklaces to bracelets, was also recovered. It’s a good reminder to make sure you have all of your items fastened when you’re in a national park.

There was no shortage of “oopsies” this year, and Yellowstone National Park says that, aside from garbage and hats, the most commonly collected items were: camera lens caps (54), hair ties (47), binkies (17), hotel key cards (20), pencils (42), and sunglasses (36).

Additionally, some “gross” items were located in the pools and geysers. The geology team recovered six Invisalign retainers, 15 fake nails, numerous floss picks, and even a gross lump of pink children’s slime that was stuck to geyserite sinter pieces.

The national park noted that some of its most confusing finds were five AirPods, three Delta Flight Pins, an inhaler, a few golf tees, and a single Uno game card.

Toys and other children’s items were also a common find, with geologists pulling out toy race cards, a rubber duck, junior ranger badges, and little figurines. One highlight was a McDonald’s toy that was released in 2010.

The staff had a few favorite items that were recovered.

“Geology staff highlights include seven instant/Polaroid pictures (including several depicting the hydrothermal features they were found in!), the six Yellowstone pressed pennies, four Pokemon cards and figurines, and a tiny (2-inch) copy of The Vampire Diaries!” the national park writes.

While it’s fun to get a look at everything that was found, Yellowstone geologists reminded anyone planning a visit that a little precaution can go a long way in protecting hydrothermal areas and preventing trash from getting in.

“If you’re traveling through Yellowstone National Park, especially in hydrothermal areas, make sure to ‘stash your trash’—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!”