How do I Get Rid of an American Flag?

Dispose of damaged American flags with dignity by burning.

Many people throughout the country fly the American flag year round, exposing their flags to the elements and the damage that results. A worn flag can be difficult to dispose of as it's considered disrespectful to simply toss it into a trash bin. There are a number of disposal rituals carried out by various civic-minded organizations. The consensus on flag disposal is that you should burn older cotton or wool flags. Newer nylon flags should either be buried or recycled due to the hazards of burning the material. Whatever method you choose, make sure disposal is one that respects the dignity of the flag.

Things You'll Need

• Wood or coal fire
• Sand
• Box
• Spade

Instructions

1. Lower the flag for the final time from its display pole. Have an assistant help you fold the flag in preparation for disposal. Hold the flag in your hands so that the field of stars is to the left. Fold the flag in half lengthwise, raising the right hand side over the left. Fold a second time in the same manner so that the field of stars is visible on both the top and bottom of your end of the fold.

2. Have your assistant fold the corner held in his left hand over the top of the flag in a triangle so that his end is now a 45-degree angle. Have him then fold the angled part over the top of the flag at the base of the angled triangle, leaving his side squared off. Repeat the process until all that remains is the blue field in a triangle. Fold the triangle once more, folding your end into the folds held by your assistant.

3. Start a moderate campfire in a pit and allow it to burn down to coals. The embers should be hot enough to burn the flag efficiently without having pieces flying away with the wind.

4. Place the flag down into the center of the coal bed. Wait for it to burn completely until only the ashes remain.

5. Smother the coals with sand, and then gather the ashes. Place the ashes in a small box, then bury the ashes in a shallow hole dug using a spade to complete the disposal process.

Tips & Warnings

• Modern American flags consist of nylon, which emits hazardous fumes when burned. Dispose of a nylon flag by folding, boxing then burying it. Or by recycling them through a flag recycling service. Check with your local VFW for flag recycling services in your area.

References

• United States Flag Store: Repair and Disposal of Worn Flags
• VFW: Flag Education

Resources

• American Flag Recycling: Its Time to Consider Recycling Worn American Nylon Flags