Is it Time to Dispose of Your Worn American Flag?

With Flag Day coming up on June 14, it is a good time to inspect your flag to see whether it needs to be washed, repaired or retired.

According to the U.S. Flag Code, any American flag that is worn, damaged or tattered beyond repair should be disposed of in a respectful and dignified manner. Throwing your flag in the trash is not an option. Washing or repairing it is an option as long as it meets certain standards.

Can Your Flag be Washed or Repaired?

If your flag is dirty or dingy, washing it may save it from early retirement. Washing flags is not prohibited and in fact, washing your flag on a regular basis can prolong its life. Most outdoor flags can be hand washed with a mild laundry detergent and left to air dry. Flags can also be dry-cleaned. It is also acceptable to make minor repairs to a damaged flag. Repairs should not be conspicuous and dimensions of the flag should not be noticeably altered. Flags with large tears or excessive fraying should be retired.

Proper Disposal Methods for your Unserviceable Flag

If your flag is no longer serviceable, the preferred method of disposal is in a formal flag retirement ceremony where it is incinerated. It is also acceptable for individuals to seal an old flag in a box or bag and bury it, or burn it in a respectful private ceremony.

Flag Day (June 14) is a popular date for many service organizations, including the American Legion and Boy Scouts, to collect worn flags and conduct flag retirement ceremonies. Many of the more than 50 American Legion posts in Central Iowa have flag collection receptacles available for public drop-off year round. Our own Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off collects worn flags and, through a partnership with the Bondurant American Legion, the flags are properly disposed of.

American Legion of Iowa
Department Headquarters
720 Lyon Street
Des Moines, Iowa
M-F; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America
6123 Scout Trail
Fred Maytag II Scout Center
Des Moines, IA
M-F; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on safe, smart recycling, visit us at www.WhereItShouldGo.com or call 515.244.0021.