How do you get rid of the American flag?
Asked by: Miss Brisa Bernier | Last update: April 21, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (57 votes)
To get rid of an American flag respectfully, you should retire it through ceremonial burning (if safe and made of cotton), bury it in a dignified box, or donate it to organizations like the VFW, American Legion, or Scouts who conduct formal ceremonies; synthetic flags should be recycled or donated, not burned, due to toxic fumes.
How to remove the American flag?
Although the U.S. Flag Code says that burning is the preferred method to dispose of a flag, people also choose to retire flags via burial. If you choose this method, place a folded flag in a dignified wooden box. Pause for a moment of silence after burying the flag box in the ground.
Does the post office take old flags?
Yes, many U.S. Post Offices accept old, worn, or torn American flags for proper retirement, often through special collection boxes or by staff, though some local postmasters might direct you to groups like the American Legion or VFW for ceremonial disposal. It's best to check with your local branch or look for designated flag drop-off spots, which are also common at American Legion posts, VFW halls, and even some retail stores like Ace Hardware or Lowe's.
What is the most respectful way to dispose of a flag?
To properly dispose of a worn U.S. flag, the U.S. Flag Code recommends a dignified destruction, preferably by ceremonial burning, but burying or recycling are also excellent options, especially for synthetic flags (nylon/polyester) which should not be burned due to toxic fumes. The best approach for most people is to drop it off at a local American Legion, VFW post, Boy Scout troop, or government office, as they conduct respectful ceremonies or recycling programs.
Does Lowes take Old flags?
Yes, many Lowe's stores offer in-store drop boxes for the dignified retirement of old or tattered American flags, usually located near the customer service desk or entrance, a program started by a Lowe's associate and the American Legion. You can also find disposal options at American Legion or VFW posts, Ace Hardware, and sometimes local libraries or scout troops.
How to properly dispose of American flags | VERIFY
Where can I dispose of old American flags near me?
Bring to a Textile Recycler
Most flags are made from cloth that can be taken to a textile recycler to be recycled with other worn out clothing and textiles. Some major clothing recyclers include Goodwill, The Salvation Army, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Savers and American Textile Recycling Service.
Does Walmart dispose of flags?
Some big box stores like Home Depot or Wal-Mart have flag disposal boxes within their store.
Can I dispose of an American flag at Home Depot?
Yes, many Home Depot stores have flag disposal boxes, often near the service desk, for customers to drop off old, worn, or tattered American flags for proper, dignified retirement, often handled by local Boy Scout troops or veterans' groups. It's best to check your specific store, as availability can vary, but these boxes offer a convenient way to ensure your flag is retired respectfully.
Is it a crime to throw away an American flag?
While it's technically not illegal to throw away your flag in the trash, it certainly is not considered dignified disposal, as the flag is to be treated with respect and honor. The best course of action is never throw your flag away in the trash.
Can you dispose of an American flag by cutting it up?
RESPECTFUL DISPOSAL:
Since there are no local nylon recyclers that accept flags directly, cutting provides a suitable at-home option: Boy Scouts of America recommended cutting and disposal method: Stretch out the corners of the flag. Cut the flag in half vertically — do not cut into the blue star field.
How to properly dispose of an old American flag?
To dispose of an old American flag respectfully, you should retire it in a dignified manner, most traditionally by ceremonial burning (for cotton flags, checking local laws first) or burial in a box, but you can also use community drop-off points at places like VFW, American Legion, or Scout posts, or recycle cloth flags at textile recyclers, ensuring synthetic flags aren't burned due to toxic fumes.
How often should you replace a flag?
According to the American Legion, the U.S. government generally expects a nylon or cotton bunting flag to last about 90 days—assuming it's flown daily from sunrise to sunset in average weather. Flags flown only on holidays or during calm months can last significantly longer, especially when properly cleaned and stored.
Is it okay to cut up an American flag?
Flag etiquette 101! Do not purposely cut the Flag of the United States. Flags should only be disposed of at the flag burning ceremony.
Is there a specific ceremony for flag disposal?
Ceremony for the Disposal of Unserviceable Flags The post assembles in meeting, out-of-doors, at night. Members are aligned in two parallel rows about 20 feet apart, facing each other. Officers are at their stations. A small fire is burning opposite the commander and beyond the rows of members.
What are common mistakes in flag etiquette?
The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should never be displayed upside down unless trying to convey a sign of distress or great danger. The flag should never touch anything beneath it; this includes water, merchandise and even the floor.
Did Johnson go to jail for burning the flag?
Activist Gregory Lee Johnson was convicted for burning an American flag during a protest outside the 1984 Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas, and was fined $2,000 and sentenced to one year in jail in accordance with Texas law.
What should you not do with an American flag?
The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use. The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal. The flag should not be used for any decoration in general.
Is it illegal to dispose of an American flag?
(k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. (Added Pub. L. 105–225, §2(a), Aug.
Does ace hardware take old flags?
Donating your US flag to a Ace Hardware flag disposal box is the simplest flag disposal technique. To make it easier we have created a map below showing “American flag disposal Ace Hardware near me” where you will see a list of local Ace Hardware drop-off centers and depository boxes.
What can you dispose of at Home Depot?
Home Depot accepts rechargeable batteries, CFL bulbs, and plastic bags for recycling at their stores, often near the entrance or customer service desk, partnering with programs like Call2Recycle. They also offer disposal/recycling for old appliances (for a fee when new ones are delivered) and take back empty propane tanks for credit in their AmeriGas program, recycling the cylinders. Customers can also drop off clean, empty plastic plant pots in garden centers.
Where can I take old flags to be destroyed near me?
for proper disposal information. Customers can also check their local Home Depot, Walmart, or veterans organization for flag disposal resources.
Does Lowes dispose of old flags?
Yes, many Lowe's stores offer in-store drop boxes for the dignified retirement of old or tattered American flags, usually located near the customer service desk or entrance, a program started by a Lowe's associate and the American Legion. You can also find disposal options at American Legion or VFW posts, Ace Hardware, and sometimes local libraries or scout troops.
How do I retire a flag?
Drop It Off
Most American Legions, VFWs and Boy Scout Troops will accept old flags and retire them respectfully in their next flag disposal ceremony. Many hold these ceremonies on Flag Day, so now is the perfect time to contact them! You can also drop flags off at local police stations.