What should I do with an old flag?

vanity ^ | July 2, 2026 | Linda Marinez

[eccentric]

I finally retrieved a flag that had been stuck in a tree in a nearby town for a year or more. (Sadly, it took me a long time to do this.) It is in very bad condition.

So now what do I do with it? I am 50 miles from any American Legion. Should I mail it to them?

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TOPICS: Military/Veterans; Society
KEYWORDS: calmdown; flag; getajob; gettwojobs; googleit

[muskah]

Give it to the nearest Boy Scout Troop. They can properly destroy it.

[doc maverick]

It’s okay to fold it correctly and bury it too.

[iontheball]

It should be dealt as one would a deceased old friend, buried or cremated/burned up.

[pfflier]

DIY.

Fold it into the proper triangle pattern for storage, then at sunset unfold it, cut it up so it no longer represents a flag then burn the individual pieces.

[virgil]

Fold it up properly and burn it respectfully.

[EvelynMcHale]

My local post office handles respectful flag retirement, but I’m not sure if that’s typical. Our post master is a Veteran Marine.

[Retgearjammer]

To properly retire and dispose of a worn flag, use one of these respectful methods:
Drop off for disposal: You can hand your worn flag directly to local organizations, which will ensure it is respectfully burned in a proper ceremony. Many American Legion Posts or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) locations feature designated drop-boxes or accept flags for retirement.
Drop at local facilities: Many Boy Scout troops, city/village halls, fire and police stations, or local USPS Post Offices also offer flag collection bins.
Bury it: Fold the flag respectfully (traditionally into a triangle) and place it inside a dignified container or wooden box. You can then bury the container on private property
DIY Burning with Shredding: If you choose to burn it yourself, it is safest for the environment to first cut the flag into pieces so it doesn’t represent a “whole” flag. Use scissors to cut away the blue field of stars (the canton) without tearing through it. Then, cut the remaining red and white stripes apart. Burn the shredded pieces one by one in a controlled bonfire or fire pit, maintaining a respectful moment of silence or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

[FamiliarFace]

Or a Girl Scout Troop. I’ve been part of several flag retirement ceremonies. Granted those happened decades ago.

[sasquatch]

Veteran’s hall nearby?

[E. Pluribus Unum]

https://x.com/i/grok/share/13a67943d8484b0d9e911190b350db3f

The proper way to dispose of a worn or unserviceable United States flag is outlined in the U.S. Flag Code (4 U.S.C. § 8).

uscode.house.gov

“The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

This is the recommended and most traditional method. The goal is respect and dignity—never just toss it in the trash.

war.gov

Preferred Method: Dignified Burning CeremonyVeterans' organizations like the American Legion and VFW regularly hold formal flag retirement ceremonies, often on or around Flag Day (June 14). Here's the general procedure for a respectful burning:

1. Fold the flag in its customary triangular manner (the 13-fold ceremonial fold) before disposal.
   vfw.org
2. Build a safe, sufficiently large fire in an approved location that can completely consume the flag (check local fire codes/ordinances).
3. Place the folded flag on the fire.
4. Participants come to attention, salute (or place hand over heart if not in uniform), recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and observe a moment of silent reflection.
5. Once fully burned, safely extinguish the fire and bury the ashes.

Many posts, scout troops, government offices, police stations, and community centers have flag disposal boxes for drop-off. They collect flags and handle dignified ceremonies.

alliedflag.com

Other Dignified Alternatives

• Burial: Fold the flag properly and place it in a dignified container or box, then bury it. Some sources note keeping the cloth from direct contact with the ground if possible.
  fairfaxcounty.gov
• Recycling: For synthetic/nylon flags that may produce harmful fumes when burned, some organizations offer recycling programs (e.g., marking "Recycle" on the header).
  united-states-flag.com

Where to Take Your Flag

• Local VFW, American Legion, or Boy/Girl Scout posts/troops (most common and recommended).
• County/government buildings, police/fire stations, or transfer stations with disposal boxes.
• Search for "flag disposal near me" or contact a veterans' organization.

Important notes:

• The Flag Code provides guidance, not enforceable law for private citizens in most cases.
• Burning a flag as political protest is protected speech (per Supreme Court rulings), but that's different from respectful retirement of a worn flag.
• Only dispose of flags that are truly unserviceable (torn, faded, frayed beyond repair). Usable flags can be donated for reuse (e.g., to schools, veterans' groups, or for burials).

This tradition honors the flag as a living symbol of the nation. If you're unsure, reach out to your local veterans' post—they're usually happy to assist.

[Mean Daddy]

If you don’t have a veteran’s or Boy Scout group nearby, I would reach out to you local fire department or law enforcement and see if they’ll dispose of it. Lot of ex-military in those jobs.

[smokingfrog]

Many Ace Hardware Stores will take old flags.

https://starspangledflags.com/ace-hardware-flag-disposal/?srsltid=AfmBOopJJ-n4-mv_0BN6nj4oNSlks2Ylxum3b6237XmVPNlSER4gaKrF#flag_disposal_near_me

[Clutch Martin]

The American Legion has a drop off, they hand them over to the BSA who renders proper respect and honors in the flags retirement thereof.

[A strike]

It is clear.

don’t be stupid ..

[cyclotic]

The Flag Code says it is to be destroyed respectfully, preferably by burning.

We often will slowly drop it in a campfire and either remain silent or offer a prayer of thanksgiving while the flag burns. Some people dig through the ashes and save the grommets.

If you know of a Trail Life USA troop, they will gladly take it.

[jackibutterfly]

You could also try your local Senior Citizen’s Center - ours here in Salem, AR takes them.

[Ronald77]

Local VFW or American Legion will accept the flag and properly retire it.

[Az Joe]

I have a 48 star flag my family has had since the mid 50s

[skinny old man]

The DAR can do it.Also a local camp of the SCV.