Q&A for How to Dispose of a Damaged American Flag

Take it to a local VFW or American Legion post, and they will properly dispose of it.

Yes they will. Call the nearest post, and they will tell you when, where, and how to bring in your flag.

If it can no longer be recognized as the American flag, and a symbol of our freedoms, then it needs to be respectfully burned.

The code says to pay respects, you can choose silence or a Salute. The idea is that you are focused on the flag and respect what it stands for.

If you simply throw it away, this is considered a symbol of disrespect toward not only the flag, but toward what the flag stands for (America). Burning is the most commonly used 'respectful way' of disposing of a flag.

Yes, you may bury the ashes.

No; it has been determined that flag desecration falls under the protections of the first amendment. However, the time and place of the flag desecration could result in criminal punishments.

If you drop it off at a VFW, they will retire the parade-sized flags with regular-sized flags.

As long as the flag is not horribly worn, it should be fine.

This is a myth. The flag does not need to be retired if it has touched the ground. You can wash the flag and continue to display it.

According to US Flag Code: It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

No. Fold the flag, and place it in the center of the fire. Make sure all of it is burned before disposing of the ashes.

Anyone can burn a flag.

Page 76 of the BSA Handbook says, “A national flag that is worn beyond repair may be burned in a fire. The ceremony should be conducted with dignity and respect and the flag burned completely to ashes."

No, that is not a proper way of disposing of our country's Colors. Throwing it in the trash is disrespectful.

American flags are not typically made of cardboard, but burning any cardboard will give off toxic fumes, so never burn cardboard. Always recycle it.

The VFW, AMvets and Boy Scouts will dispose of your flag in a very respectful way.

If the flag is burned, it usually cannot be repaired properly and should be disposed of.

Yes, as long as the fire pit is clear of debris before you start the ceremony, you perform the disposal respectfully, and you gather the ashes afterward, it is alright.

It depends. Do you want to bury it? You are not required to own an American flag, so you can just dispose of your tattered flag using any of the methods in the article.

No. Flag code states that the flag should not be used as an article of clothing and should be properly disposed of if damaged.

I couldn't say with any authority, but as a cultural anthropologist, I would say it's inappropriate since bowing in reverence to pretty much anything is not an American way. However, if bowing is an integral part of your culture as a sign of showing reverence, I would say most wouldn't find it offensive, though I wouldn't recommend doing it in public.

Check online for the address and phone number. Call them first to make sure it's a good time to turn up, they may require an appointment.

Yes. Holes will prevent the flag from catching wind, and do not look good in general.

No. The American flag should always be illuminated when it is outside. If it is indoors hanging on a wall, it does not need to be lit.

Ashes from flags are not fertile. You should bury them, or keep them in a container as a memento. There is no need to put them in a container if burying.

So long as the flag is not stained, you do not have to retire it; just be sure to raise it high enough to keep it from touching the ground. Try washing out stains with detergent; if there are still glaring stains, retire the flag.

You could; however, to do so would be disrespectful to this symbol of our nation's freedom. Those who choose to fly a flag are expected to abide by its rules and traditions to do so respectfully, including proper disposal.

Would you enjoy it if your national flag was just thrown into the garbage? The flag is not just an ensign; it is one of the defining symbols of a nation. A brief history lesson: the American flag was the first to be designed solely to represent a nation, as opposed to a monarchy or government. Canada likely has multiple flag customs, just like America.

Yes, if you cut the rest of the flag into separate colors. However, embroidered stars may not hold up well without their base, so be sure to laminate them in some way.