Yellowstone rangers retrieved 20,100 items from geysers in 2026

Yellowstone National Park rangers removed over 20,100 pieces of trash from geothermal areas in 2026. The haul also included more than 5,000 rocks and sticks, 280 visitor hats, and coins totalling over $18. Unusual objects recovered included AirPods, golf tees, an inhaler, Invisalign retainers, fake nails, and children's toys. The findings highlight the ongoing challenge of protecting sensitive geothermal features from visitor interference.