Table of Contents
Where can I take my old American flag near me?
Flag disposal locations such as your local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts, American Legion, and Boy and Girl Scout organizations, even some Walmart and Home Depot locations will gladly take them to recycle or burn.
What is the best way to dispose of an old American flag?
According to the U.S. Flag Code, “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”.

How do you dispose of an American flag at home?
How to Dispose of a Flag
- Burning a Flag. The first way to dispose of an American flag is to hold a flag burning ceremony at your home or other private location.
- Community Disposal Box. A second way to dispose of an American flag is to drop it off in a flag disposal box.
- Burying a Flag.
- Recycling a Flag.
What do you do with unwanted flags?
If you don’t want to have your own ceremony, but still want to ensure that your flag will be properly retired, you can bring it to a flag retirement location, such as a VFW or American Legion, or others in your community. You can also send your flag in to be recycled.

How to properly dispose of an American flag&locations?
How To Properly Dispose of an American Flag (& Locations) 1. Donate Tattered Flags Flag Disposal Places Near You 2. Ceremonial Flag Burning 3. Flag Burial 4. Shredding Techniques Replace Your Worn Out Flag
How to get rid of torn American flags?
Also known as retiring the flag, it is important to regularly get rid of torn ones. The Code states that if it is not in good enough condition to represent our country, it should be taken down and destroyed. The dignified manner they recommend is burning. You will want to make sure to follow proper technique when burning an American flag.
Is it disrespectful to shred a flag?
Once a flag is cut up, it is technically not an official American flag anymore, meaning you can then throw it away without it being disrespectful. Shredding gives you multiple options to either burn, bury or recycle the material once it is disassembled.