- 1). Take the United States flag down, and replace it with a new one when you see signs of wear. It needs to be disposed of in a fitting way that shows respect. Do not just throw it in the garbage.
- 2). Contact your local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), Girl Scout or Boy Scout Troop, Knights of Columbus or Local Elks club to see if they offer the disposal service and ceremony for worn-out United States flags. Retired flags are often disposed of on the 14th of June--Flag Day. They are burned or buried, often in an official ceremony.
- 3). Do not burn all flags. Wool and cotton flags can be burned. Many flags are now made of materials that contain hazardous petroleum-based chemicals such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. These are released into the atmosphere in gaseous form when burned. This includes nylon and plastic flags. Some areas forbid the burning of nylon.
- 4). Consider making a small donation to the organization you use for the proper disposal of your old United States flag.
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