How To Dispose Of Old Flags

Flag Retirement Options

Displaying a flag outside for all to see, where it will experience different temperatures and e'er-changing conditions, volition result in a worn flag eventually – fifty-fifty the best flags.

With the average outdoor flag statistically just lasting about xc days (Star Spangled Flags are non boilerplate), it is possible yous will accept at least a few old ones that are ripped, tattered, or in some other way worn out and damaged, ready for disposal past the finish of the year.

With all the significant it holds, it would be wrong to throw them in the trash. But few people know what to do with quondam American flags. What is the proper fashion to retire an American flag?

While it is not illegal, much of the younger generation does non realize the boldness associated with throwing away an American flag. Or maybe you knew you shouldn't toss it in the garbage, but didn't know any other way to go rid of it. Well, we are hither to tell you how to properly dispose of an American flag.

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5 Options for Retiring Your Flag (click the titles for more details)

Donate Your Tattered Flag
Ceremonial Flag Burning
Bury Your Old Flag
Shredding Techniques
Flag Disposal Locations
Replace Your Worn Out Flag

Properly Disposing of a Tattered American Flag (Respectfully)

1. Donate Tattered Flags

Commonly called-for the flag is listed every bit the first pick, but at that place may be some concerns. Will the fumes be bad for the environment or your health? What if you don't take a place to build a fire?

Flags are made from a much wider range of products now than they used to be when the US Flag Code was beginning created. Depending on what kind yous have will determine if it contains materials that produce unsafe fumes when burned. If you feel dangerous trying that method or don't have the resources, non to worry, there are plenty of other options. That's why we commencement recommend giving older flags to qualified organizations similar the VFW or American Legion as the best option.

Donating is a keen US flag disposal technique. Effectually your customs there are places that you can drop a tattered American flag off for them to dispose of. To make information technology easier we have created a map below showing "American flag disposal near me" where you lot will see a list of local drib-off centers and depository boxes.

Flag disposal locations such as your local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts, American Legion, and Male child and Girl Sentry organizations, even some Walmart and Home Depot locations will gladly have them to recycle or burn. VFW flag disposal locations offer these services to ensure the flags get thrown abroad properly if others do not have the means to. You can also check your local hardware or grocery stores for a flag drop box, a container to collect old American flags for donation. This provides a quick and piece of cake solution for those who are busy to brand certain their old flags are taken care of properly.

Flag Disposal Places Nigh Y'all

ii. Ceremonial Flag Called-for

The U.s.a. has a set of laws pertaining to US flag disposal known as the Us Flag Code. In this set of rules are the specifications on how the particular we use to symbolize freedom, innocence, and unity should be treated. Besides known as retiring the flag, it is important to regularly get rid of torn ones.

The Code states that if information technology is not in adept plenty condition to represent our land, information technology should be taken downwards and destroyed. The dignified manner they recommend is burning.

You will want to brand certain to follow proper technique when burning an American flag. Outset, make sure the burn down is big and hot enough to incinerate the fabric completely. Fold the flag(s) properly and place it on top of the flames. While it is burning, show respect past saluting, singing the National Canticle or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Once you are sure information technology is entirely burned, put the burn down out.

3. Flag Burying

This is a keen choice for anyone that wants to dispose of their ain flag but is not able to or does non want to build a fire. You can bury a flag in the ground in a well-constructed container to keep information technology protected. While some people do not find it proper, a good rule of pollex to continue in heed is that equally long as it is thrown away in a dignified fashion, it is allowed. Brand certain to follow the procedure below to guarantee a respectful ceremony.

The correct way to bury a pennant includes finding a box in practiced condition to place it in. In the The states Flag Lawmaking, information technology states the cloth should not come in contact with the ground or dirt, so finding a quality box is necessary. Fold it properly and place it in the box to be placed in the ground. Just as we recommended for the burning, take a moment of silence or respectfully say a few words every bit you bury the box.

4. Shredding Techniques

Once a flag is cut upwardly, information technology is technically non an official American flag anymore, meaning you tin can then throw it away without it existence disrespectful. Shredding gives you multiple options to either burn down, bury or recycle the material one time it is disassembled.

Flag recycling is common with synthetic and nylon made banners considering burning these materials can be hazardous. It is possible to take the nylon from an erstwhile flag and turn information technology into a make new one from the onetime. As for burning and burying, you will just follow the previous steps in one case you cut it.

But similar every other disposal solution, at that place is a proper and respectful way to practice this. The first technique entails cut apart each of the white and cherry stripes. Split them neatly by using a sharp pair of scissors. The other pick is to cut it in one-half vertically and then over again horizontally. The nearly crucial step for both procedures is to make sure the blue section with the stars stays intact.

Supersede Your Worn Out Flag

Flying a tattered American flag is just as disrespectful equally throwing it in the garbage. Though some may not have the means to buy a new i, it is against etiquette to wing one that is worn out.

If yous accept the ability to purchase some other (StarSpangledFlags.com provides coupons to help every month), respect all that it represents and hang one in pristine condition.

Equally an American, the flag symbolizes the history that provided us with the foundation for our country today. It is imperative to treat these emblems with respect and retire them with dignity.

With these iv disposal options, there is no reason this symbol of freedom should be found in the trash. Browse our choice of durable United States, Local State, War machine and Historical flags.

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