Yellowstone Hydrothermal Vents See Record Trash

Yellowstone National Park staff collected over 20,100 pieces of trash, 5,600 rocks and sticks, and more than 280 hats from hydrothermal areas as of early September 2026, marking a record-setting year. The debris includes items like hair ties, sunglasses, children's toys, and six Invisalign retainers. Scientists warn that foreign material can permanently damage or alter hydrothermal features.