What do you do when your red, white, and blue has grown faded and worn? Flags don’t last forever. The life expectancy of a flag flown 24 hours a day is around 90 days, though you can prolong the life of your flag by protecting it from the elements and practicing proper flag care. Once your flag starts to show significant signs of wear and tear, it’s time for retirement.
The U.S. Flag Code states: “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.” While burning is still an acceptable way to retire your flag, keep in mind that the Flag Code was written over 100 years ago, when most flags were made using wool, cotton, linen, silk, or muslin.
Today, the majority of outdoor flags are made using synthetic materials, such as nylon and polyester, which increases flag durability and life expectancy. Burning nylon or polyester flags, however, emits toxic fumes into the atmosphere, which are harmful to the environment. Whether you have a synthetic nylon or polyester flag or a traditional cotton flag, here are some ways to retire your flag in a respectful and sustainable manner.
Burn or Bury Your Flag
If you have a cotton flag, burning it is a respectful way to retire it. Cotton flags are typically used for ceremonies, parades, and indoor displays. In a private location, place the folded flag on a bed of red-hot coals and stay until it has fully disintegrated to ensure no pieces blow away. You may offer words of thanks as you wait. Once the flag has turned into ash, safely extinguish the fire before leaving.
If you are retiring a synthetic nylon or polyester flag, on the other hand, burning is not recommended due to its environmental impact. Instead, consider burying the flag. Place it in a wooden box to honor its symbolism, then bury the box to protect the soil and groundwater from the synthetic material.
Cut Your Retired Flag
Another respectful way to retire your flag is by cutting it. As with burning or burying, there is a proper, dignified method. For example, you should never cut into the blue star field, which symbolizes the union of the 50 states and should remain whole. Here are the two most common approaches:
The first method involves cutting the flag into four pieces. Lay the flag out with the blue star field in the top left. Without cutting into the star field, make a vertical cut to create two sections. The left piece should include the blue star field with six stripes below, while the right piece will have thirteen stripes with no part of the star field. Place the left piece over the right so the star field is visible, then make a horizontal cut—again avoiding the blue star field.
The second method, known as “shredding,” separates the blue star field from the thirteen stripes by cutting around it. Be sure not to cut into the star field itself. Then, cut along the stripes to separate the red and white sections.
Once the flag is properly cut, it is no longer considered a flag, and the pieces can be respectfully discarded. This is an eco-friendly option if you’re not comfortable burning or burying it.
Refresh, Repair or Recycle Your Flag
Not all flags are in such poor condition that they need to be completely retired through burning or burial. Sometimes, they just need a little care. If that’s the case, we recommend hand-washing your flag in cold water with mild soap, rinsing it thoroughly, and laying it flat to dry. You can also take it to an eco-friendly dry cleaner—dry cleaning is typically best for cotton flags.
Another way to extend your flag’s life is to repair and reinforce the “fly end,” the edge furthest from the staff and usually the first to show wear. Weather can cause this edge to unravel. If that happens, you can send your flag to us, and our repair service will mend it for you. Email us at info@flagsusa.com to learn more.
Want to recycle your flag? We work with partners who will handle it for you. Send us your flag, and our local partners will separate the blue star field from the stripes, then either deliver them to a textile recycler or turn them into care packages for veterans. Likewise, if you send your 3’x5’ American flag to Stars For Our Troops, they will repurpose the stars for veterans. Many local organizations like VFWs, American Legions, Boy Scouts, and recycling centers also offer flag recycling programs.
Finally, if you’d like your flag formally retired, you can contact a local VFW or Boy Scouts of America troop to find out where to bring it.
Retiring a State or International Flag?
If you have a flag from another country or a state flag that is no longer in respectful condition, it should be properly retired. We recommend researching the protocols for the specific country or state, as practices can vary. For example, while the blue star field on the American flag should remain intact when cutting it for retirement, the maple leaf or other symbols on the Canadian flag should be cut so they are no longer recognizable. In Italy, the flag is retired using a similar “shredding” method as in the U.S.: the green, white, and red sections are separated so it is no longer considered a flag, then properly disposed of.
State flags and other flags can generally be retired using the same methods as the American flag: burning, burying, or cutting. However, it’s still best to check any specific protocols for the state whose flag you’re retiring, especially regarding symbols or logos.
If you wish to recycle a non-American flag, you can contact a local police station, VFW, or Boy Scouts of America troop to see if they accept flags for recycling. Some states and countries even recommend writing “RECYCLE” on the header before turning it in.
