Cleanup crews removed between 383 and 400 kilograms of coins and metallic waste from the riverbed of the Iguazú Falls in mid-April 2026 [1, 2, 3].

The operation highlights the environmental toll of a common tourist practice. The accumulation of metal in the river threatens the water quality and the health of local wildlife in the protected region along the Argentina-Brazil border.

The cleanup was carried out by the concessionaire company managing the Brazilian side of the falls. While some reports specify the total weight as 383 kg [1], other sources state that nearly 400 kg [2] or at least 400 kg [3] of material were extracted.

Beyond currency, the waste included cell phones and other metallic debris [3]. The company said that the pollution stems from a habit where visitors toss coins into the water to make wishes.

"La gente las tira para pedir deseos," said a spokesperson for the Brazilian concessionaire [1].

Environmental officials said that the removal was necessary to safeguard the natural habitat. The metals found in the riverbed can leach into the water, creating long-term risks for the aquatic ecosystem.

"Los metales pueden afectar la calidad del agua y la fauna del río," said a representative of the Brazilian side operator [2].

Authorities from the Iguazú National Park said that the operation was a targeted effort to maintain the integrity of the falls. The scale of the removal underscores the volume of debris that settles in the riverbed over time.

"Retiramos 383 kilos de monedas para proteger el ecosistema de las cataratas," said an environmental authority of the Iguazú National Park [3].

“"La gente las tira para pedir deseos."”

The removal of nearly 400 kg of metal demonstrates the conflict between cultural tourist behaviors and environmental preservation. While tossing coins is a global tradition at landmarks, the concentration of these materials in a sensitive ecosystem like the Iguazú Falls creates a tangible pollution source that requires active, costly management by park authorities to prevent permanent ecological damage.