How to Destroy Plastic American Flags

Plastic American flags should be destroyed with the same care given to fabric flags.

As the most prominent symbol of the United States, the American flag should be handled with care and respect, no matter what form it may be in. Although they are not made from traditional materials such as cotton or wool, plastic flags are still flags and should be disposed of properly. The United States Flag Code was originally passed by Congress in 1923 and dictates the proper methods for destroying an American flag, including burning and flag disposal ceremonies.

Instructions

1. Dispose of the flag at home. It is legal and acceptable to destroy American flags at home if they are no longer in good shape. The American Legion suggests doing so in a discreet manner so that your actions are not taken as a protest. Burning is the appropriate way to dispose of cloth flags; however, you may not want to burn plastic because of fumes. In this case, shred your flag if it is thin.

2. Take your flag to the local American Legion post. On Flag Day, June 14, the American Legion performs the Unserviceable Flags Ceremony in which flags are burned or disposed of properly. The ceremony occurs at night and the flags are saluted and honored for serving the country prior to burning.

3. Find a local Boy Scout Troop. Boy Scouts perform a Flag Retirement Ceremony in which flags are cut into pieces, burned and buried.

References

• American Legion: Flag Code
• American Legion: How Are Unserviceable Flags Destroyed?
• American Legion: Unserviceable Flags Ceremony
• U.S. Scouting Service Project: Retiring Old Glory