FLAG DISPOSAL

Worn American flag retired by burning — proper flag disposal, Flag World Company
Do you have a worn-out flag? Has it been torn, burned, or damaged? Send it to us, and we will store and retire it properly. Flags deserve respect, careful storage, and dignified disposal. The United States Flag Code sets the etiquette for storing, handling, and treating flags, and all of us should follow it. The Flag Code states that once a flag is no longer in good condition — torn, worn out, damaged, or burnt — you should destroy or dispose of it in the most dignified manner. A set rule guides how to fold and dispose of a flag, especially a national, city, or territory flag. When a flag can no longer be repaired, retire it the proper way. Below are the steps to dispose of a flag properly.

How to dispose of a flag

  1. Fold the flag in the traditional manner.
  2. Build a fire hot enough to burn the flag completely, with no fabric left behind, then place the folded flag on the fire.
  3. Once nothing remains of the flag, put out the fire and bury the ashes.

Before the burning begins, people may gather near the flag to salute and pay their respects. Always follow your state fire codes to prevent accidents and to keep everyone watching safe.

If you would like help or more information on proper flag disposal, these local organizations conduct flag retirement ceremonies:

  • Boy Scouts
  • Girl Scouts
  • American Legion
  • VFW
  • Marine Corps League
  • A.V.

Flag World Company also collects your old USA flags and passes them to these organizations through our flag retirement service. Receive 10% off your new American flag when you send us your old one — you only pay the shipping. Schools and agencies retiring flags can also see our guide to government and municipal flags.

Want to know more about flag disposal? For more information, call Flag World Company at 303-623-0589.