How to Properly Dispose of an American Flag

If your American flag is showing its age, you can dispose of it, but you must know the law, or you'll face fines and, possibly, imprisonment. Follow these steps to properly dispose of Old Glory.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Understand the law. If you don’t properly dispose of the American flag properly, you could be breaking federal law and be liable for fines and, in rare cases, imprisonment.
2. Follow custom. Burning a tattered American flag is the preferred method of disposal according to The Flag Code approved by Public Law 829 on December 22, 1942 by the 77th Congress, 2nd Session.
3. Contact a local veterans or scouting organization to see if they accept flags for proper disposal. Many groups hold annual flag burning ceremonies on June 14, Flag Day.
4. Create your own flag burning disposal ceremony as long as you obey the law. The ceremony must be a respectful, private occasion, not a public display.
5. Contact the National Flag Foundation, local scout or veterans groups for recommended flag retirement and burning ceremonies if you wish to conduct your own.
6. Mail your tattered flag to an organization, such as Flag Keepers, for proper disposal.