Flag Retirement: How to Dispose Old American Flags

Proper disposal of American flags is outlined in the United States Flag Code. In Title 4, Section 8k, it states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

With that said, when you retire your flag is up to you. Most people retire their flag once it has become tattered or faded, and they no longer like looking at it. Keep in mind that you are able to wash and repair your flag to help extend its life. We recommend using a mild detergent on a gentle cycle with cold water.

Learn more about how to properly care for your American flag here..

Who Can Retire the American Flag?

An official flag retirement ceremony is not required; however, the disposal should be private, dignified, and solemn. Anyone can retire an American flag. The U.S. Flag Code does not assign this responsibility to any one person or organization, which means you have the authority to retire a flag that has served its purpose. This flexibility allows each person to decide when a flag is no longer fit for display.

Even though an official retirement ceremony is not required, many people choose to observe a brief ceremony that we go over below. Below are all the options for how you can retire your American flag properly, whether you want to do it yourself or send it to an organization that will ensure it is done correctly.

How Do You Retire Your Old American Flag Properly?

The preferred, and often considered the most dignified, way to retire an American flag is to burn it. As stated above, the action of doing so must be dignified and the flag must be completely burned to ashes.

We realize that burning may not always be an option and some burned American flag materials are not good for the environment. Listed below are a few other options when it comes to properly retiring an American flag:

Contact your local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post, Elks Lodge, American Legion post or similar group.

These organizations are often familiar with flag retirement protocol and will take your flag and ensure that it is disposed of properly.

Recycle your American Flag.

There are companies found on the internet that will accept and recycle flags, usually for a small fee or donation. Be sure to do your research ahead of time to ensure you're working with a respectable organization.

Send to the Stars for our Troops program.

The Stars for our Troops program takes your old, tattered and worn out American flags and turns them into a prized possession for an American Soldier at home, on base or overseas. Volunteers lovingly cut each embroidered star from the flag, dispose of the stripes properly, and place each star into a tiny plastic bag with a card.

"I am part of our American flag that has flown over the U.S.A. I can no longer fly. The sun and winds have caused me to become tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder that you are not forgotten"

The program does not accept printed flags, only embroidered, and the flags must be Made in the USA. If you'd like to contribute your retired flag to the Stars for Our Troops program, please send your flag to the following address:

Stars for Our Troops, Inc.
2 116th St, Box 301
Troy, NY 12182-0301

How to perform a flag burning ceremony yourself

Below is a step-by-step guide to performing a respectful flag burning ceremony for retiring an American flag. Before you begin, please note that you should always follow local laws and safety guidelines regarding open flames. The information provided here is intended to help you retire a flag in a dignified and private manner, in keeping with the spirit of the U.S. Flag Code.

Gather Materials:

• A dedicated fire container or pit (preferably metal)
• A lighter or matches
• A shovel or scoop for handling ashes
• Fire safety equipment (e.g., water, sand, or a fire extinguisher)
• Optional: Items for a personal ceremony (e.g., a small table for a written tribute, incense, or candles)

Create a Respectful Atmosphere:

Arrange your space so that the ceremony feels personal and solemn. This might include playing soft music, lighting additional candles, or setting aside a moment of silence to honor the flag’s service. You can also consider reading a brief statement or the relevant portion of the U.S. Flag Code that highlights the dignity and respect with which the flag should be retired. You might also recite a prayer, patriotic poem, or the Pledge of Allegiance to set the tone.

Display the Flag One Last Time (optional):

If you wish, take a moment to display the flag as a final tribute. This could include folding it carefully before placing it in the fire container.

Begin the Burning:

Light your fire safely. Place the flag into the fire pit or container. As the flag begins to burn, reflect on its significance and the sacrifices it represents. Ensure that the flag is completely consumed by the fire, leaving only ashes.

Once you have finished, you can clean up the ashes and, hopefully, raise your new flag on your pole. Many people dispose of the ashes in a manner that maintains the flag's dignity—such as burying them in a private location or scattering them in a place of personal or national significance. If you are looking for a new flag that will last a long time, take a look at our top American flag options for outdoor use!

Historical Context of Flag Burning Ceremonies

Ceremonial Flag Retirement

The American Legion established a formal ceremony for the disposal of unserviceable flags in 1937, a practice reaffirmed in 1944 to promote Americanism and proper flag etiquette. The ceremony was created to ensure that flags—particularly those used on Memorial Day that have become worn and faded—are retired in a dignified manner that honors their service to the nation. Initially set forth in Resolution No. 440 and later reinforced by Resolution No. 373, which recommended holding the ceremony annually on Flag Day, June 14, the ritual underscores the importance of teaching citizens the proper courtesies to be paid to the flag.

The ceremony itself involves a detailed process where designated officers—including the Sergeant-at-Arms, Second Vice Commander, First Vice Commander, and the Commander—inspect the flags to confirm they are unserviceable. Once this is determined, the flags are ceremoniously retired through a sequence of formal commands, the participation of a Color Guard, and ultimately, their respectful destruction by burning. This process is also accompanied by a prayer offered by the Chaplain and ceremonial music, ensuring that the retirement of each flag serves as a respectful tribute to its historical and symbolic significance.

Flag Burning as Political Protest

Beyond ceremonial retirement, flag burning has also been used as a symbol of protest, particularly during periods of political and social upheaval, such as the Vietnam War era. In this context, burning a flag has been employed as an expression of dissent or disagreement with governmental policies and societal norms.

Lately, there have been protests on college campuses and in American cities in support of and in protest against foreign policies and conflicts, such as those involving Israel and Palestine. Fortunately, the United States protects the right to express these views without fear of government prosecution—as long as such expression remains non-violent.

Looking for Other Resources About Proper Flag Etiquette?

Be sure to check out the following pages for more details about how to display your flag properly!

How to Display an American Flag Outdoors: Learn about the proper ways to fly your flag outside of your home or business.

How to Display an American Flag Indoors & With Other Flags: Find out how to use proper etiquette to display the American flag indoors and alongside other flags.

Half Staff Dates & Flag Display Rules: Review the official half staff calendar and find out how to correctly display your flags on the designated half staff days.

Have Questions About Flag Etiquette? Ask Our Experts!

If you have additional questions about how to properly display or dispose of your American flag, don't hesitate to reach out to us! We're passionate about all things flag and can help you make sure you're flying your flag proudly and properly!

Give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 with questions, or contact us online to get in touch with one of our flag experts!