Trash-tossing Tourists Put Yellowstone’s Thermal Pools at Risk

WHO:

NY Post - Visitors to Yellowstone National Park left trash near the park’s thermal features.

Fox News Travel - Yellowstone National Park’s geology team collected the trash.

WHAT:

NY Post - Debris collected near Old Faithful and Midway Geyser Basin included AirPods, rubber ducks, and dental retainers.

Fox News Travel - The geology team collected over 23,000 pieces of trash from geysers and hot springs.

Fox News Travel - The collected trash included AirPods and rubber ducks.

WHERE:

NY Post - Trash was collected near Old Faithful and Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park.

Fox News Travel - Trash was collected from Yellowstone National Park’s geysers and hot springs.

WHY:

NY Post - The articles describe visitor litter as putting Yellowstone’s thermal pools at risk.

(UPDATED October 26, 2026 03:13 UTC)

Yellowstone National Park’s geology team has collected more than 23,000 pieces of trash from geysers and hot springs, including debris that puts the park’s thermal pools at risk. The litter was found near landmarks such as Old Faithful and Midway Geyser Basin. Among the items were AirPods, rubber ducks and dental retainers. The unusual finds highlight the range of objects visitors have left behind around Yellowstone’s delicate thermal features. The park’s geology team gathered the debris from the geysers and hot springs, where litter can threaten the pools. Visitors are asked to keep belongings and trash away from these sensitive areas. The collected items include both everyday objects and toys, all found in places known for their geothermal activity.