Home / Environment / Yellowstone Geysers Choked by Hats, Coins, and Slime
Yellowstone Geysers Choked by Hats, Coins, and Slime
27 Sep
Summary
- Over 20,100 pieces of trash removed from Yellowstone's geothermal areas.
- Visitor hats, coins, and strange items like slime and AirPods found.
- Litter poses a significant threat to the park's delicate geothermal features.
Yellowstone National Park's unique geothermal features are under threat from an unusual source: litter. Rangers have removed more than 20,100 pieces of trash from these delicate areas in 2026 alone. The debris includes everyday items, but also a surprising collection of hats, coins, and even unusual objects like slime and AirPods.
Foreign materials can severely damage or permanently alter Yellowstone's hydrothermal features by clogging water supplies and blocking runoff. Coins, for instance, can harm bacterial formations, with recovery taking months or years. As of September 2026, over $18 in various currencies had been collected from hot springs and geysers.
Park staff, trained in navigating these hazardous areas, also monitor conditions and educate visitors. They encourage visitors to secure their belongings, especially in windy conditions, and to properly dispose of trash. A notable effort includes washing and donating reusable hats recovered from the park after the 2026 season.
