Yellowstone National Park employees have removed a record 20,100 pieces of trash from the park’s hydrothermal areas—such as hot springs and geysers—so far this year. The types of items found are varied and sometimes unexpected, including 280 hats, 54 camera lens caps, 47 hair ties, 42 pencils, 36 pairs of sunglasses, 20 hotel key cards, and 17 baby pacifiers. These items often end up in the park due to the strong winds that sweep through the area, carrying away everything from tissues and maps to heavier objects like sunglasses and hats. Margery Price, a physical science technician with the Yellowstone National Park Geology Program, explained in a blog post for the U.S. Geological Survey that the park’s high winds make it easy for trash to escape from visitors’ belongings. This has led to a growing problem, as some visitors treat the hot springs like wishing wells, tossing items into the water. During the summer of 2026, the park’s geological team even collected over $18 in coins from the hydrothermal areas, with currencies ranging from U.S. dollars to pesos, yen, and euros. With more than 4.5 million visitors each year, Yellowstone is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. However, even small amounts of trash can have significant effects on the park’s delicate hydrothermal features. According to Price, any foreign material—whether it’s a coin, a piece of plastic, or a paper towel—can damage or permanently alter these natural wonders. Trash can clog water supplies, block or redirect runoff channels, or introduce harmful chemicals and sediment into the system. One famous example of this issue is the Morning Glory Pool, which changed color in the early 20th century due to the accumulation of trash left by visitors. By the 1950s, the pool had earned the nickname "trash can" because of the amount of debris it collected. This year, park staff retrieved unusual items such as six Invisalign retainers, eight mini race cars, three golf tees, and fifteen fake nails. While some of this trash is accidentally left behind, park officials encourage visitors to "stash your trash" by keeping items like wrappers, tissues, and hats securely packed in windy areas. At the end of the season, they plan to wash and donate any hats that remain behind.