Here's the Right Way to Dispose of a Worn-Out American Flag
There is perhaps no more powerful symbol that you are proud to be an American than flying the stars and stripes. But what about if your American flag gets tattered or soiled and it's time for a new one after many seasons of displaying it (here's how to display it correctly, by the way)? In that case, it's important to know how to dispose of your American flag correctly.
The United States Flag Code gives us the answer to that question, stating that when a flag is worn out or no longer a fitting symbol to display, it should be retired in a dignified way, preferably burned and buried, according to Collins Flags.
While there are no penalties for misusing the flag in federal code, states' individual flag codes may impose penalties, according to the Veterans of Foreign Wars website. Above all, the federal code emphasizes that the American flag is a living symbol.
How to Respectfully Retire an Old American Flag
Start by folding the flag in a customary triangle manner.
Prepare a fire large enough to burn the flag completely.
Place the flag in the fire.
While it burns, witnesses should recite the Pledge of Allegiance or salute.
End the ceremony with a moment of silence before burying the flag's ashes.
Other Ways to Dispose of an Old American Flag
If you have concerns about burning the flag (whether environmental- or safety-related), you can consider these other ways to retire it.
If you don't want to have your own ceremony, but still want to ensure that your flag will be properly retired, you can bring it to a flag retirement location, such as a VFW or American Legion, or others in your community.
You can also send your flag in to be recycled. This is a particularly good option for petroleum-based materials like nylon which can produce hazardous gases when burned.
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