The Yellowstone Geology Team removed more than 20,100 pieces of trash, about 5,600 rocks and sticks, and over 280 hats from hydrothermal areas this year. Finds ranged from FIFA and Roblox hats to AirPods, jewelry, toys and Polaroids. The team warns that thrown rocks and debris can permanently damage geysers (citing Minute Geyser and Morning Glory) and urges visitors to "stash your trash" and never toss objects into thermal features.
Yellowstone Cleans Geysers — Over 20,000 'Funky' Finds Recovered and Why It Matters
The Yellowstone National Park Geology Team captured photos from their annual cleanup.
Yellowstone National Park — which draws roughly 4.5 million visitors a year, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior — recently completed extensive conservation cleanups of its hydrothermal areas. The Yellowstone National Park Geology Team removed an astonishing haul of debris from geysers, hot springs and surrounding thermal basins, documenting both the quirky and the consequential.
Funky finds from the Yellowstone National Park Geology Team.Photo Courtesy: U.S. Geological Survey
Major Findings
The team recovered more than 20,100 pieces of trash, roughly 5,600 rocks and sticks that had been thrown into thermal features, and over 280 hats. Photos released with the report show a wildly eclectic mix of items — everything from a FIFA 2026 Men’s World Cup hat and a Roblox bucket hat from St. Kitts and Nevis to AirPods, Polaroids, jewelry, toys and baby pacifiers. Usable hats will be cleaned and donated to local organizations.
More items collected by the Yellowstone National Park Geology Team.Photo Courtesy: U.S. Geological Survey
Notable and Oddball Finds
Recoveries included camera lens caps, dozens of sunglasses and prescription glasses, hair accessories (barrettes, claw clips, scrunchies), pens and pencils, 15 false nails, coins and a few dollar bills (totaling just over $18), rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Small toys and trinkets — mini "Jesus Loves You" figurines, Invisalign retainers, a fidget spinner, toy cars, rubber ducks, plastic dinosaurs, LEGO pieces, and a tiny two-inch copy of The Vampire Diaries — were also among the finds.
Coins, jewelry and more found by the Yellowstone National Park Geology Team.Photo Courtesy: U.S. Geological Survey
Highlights the team called out included seven instant/Polaroid photos (several showing the very hydrothermal features where they were found), six Yellowstone pressed pennies and four Pokémon cards and figurines.
A photo of Grand Prismatic Spring before and after the Yellowstone National Park Geology Program team cleaned it in July and September 2025.Photo Courtesy of: Margery Price/U.S. Geological Survey
Why This Matters
Even "natural" items such as rocks and sticks can permanently alter hydrothermal systems. The report cites historical damage: Minute Geyser in Norris Geyser Basin, which once erupted as high as 60 feet, stopped erupting in 1947 after a rock lodged in its vent could not be dislodged. Morning Glory Pool has cooled and changed color over time, likely because of debris thrown into it.
A before-and-after photo of Grand Prismatic Spring taken in July and September 2025 by Margery Price (U.S. Geological Survey) illustrates how removing debris and remediating vandalism can restore visual and ecological health to these fragile features.
How The Team Works—and How You Can Help
The Geology Team moves through geyser basins equipped with specialized tools to carefully collect debris, remove lodged objects, and repair damage to delicate bacterial mats and other features. Their work reduces long-term harm and helps preserve the park’s geothermal activity for future visitors.
Visitor reminder: Never toss rocks, sticks, or any items into hot springs or geysers. "Stash your trash" — put wrappers, tissues and other windblown items deep in your pockets, inside a bag, or in a trash can.
These cleanups highlight the ongoing impact of heavy visitation and thoughtless behavior on Yellowstone’s hydrothermal systems — and how a few small objects can cause long-lasting, sometimes irreversible, change.
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