The American flag is a proud symbol of patriotism and love for our great country. Flying it at your home or office is an excellent way to showcase the American spirit. However, over time, even the most durable flags fade and become tattered due to weather and wind exposure. When this occurs, you can't simply throw your old flag away; you must dispose of it respectfully. 

When retiring your American flag, you want to avoid disrespecting it. The best option is to follow proper U.S. Flag Code etiquette or find a qualified organization that can dispose of the flag correctly. In this blog, we will outline a few flag disposal services you can use when retiring the U.S. flag. 

What is the Proper Way to Dispose of an American Flag? 

Properly retiring tattered American flags is a way to show respect and honor to our nation's ensign. Simply throwing it in the trash is considered disrespectful to the country and the brave men and women who gave everything to ensure our freedoms. 

There are five proper flag retirement options for the American flag; they include burying, using a flag disposal box, recycling, burning, and giving it to an approved organization like Scouting America™, American Legion, or VFW. 

For more information on disposing of old American flags in a dignified manner, check out this article on How to Properly Dispose of an American Flag. 

Where Can I Find a Flag Retirement Box in My Area? 

Some organizations, like the American Legion, set up flag disposal boxes around different locations. Not sure where to find a flag disposal box near you? Our Stars and Stripes Swap creates an easy alternative for flag disposal. 

Stars and Stripes Swap 

The Stars and Stripes Program is an American flag disposal system offered by Carrot-Top Industries. For a small $15 fee, we will send you a prepaid mailing label to use to ship up to three of your old American flags. We will then dispose of them properly in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code so you can have peace of mind knowing you've rightly honored our country's ensign. Why is the Stars and Stripes Swap such a popular flag disposal method? 

• The service is fast and easy
• Offers a hassle-free disposal option
• Ensures all American flags are disposed of honorably
• A great way to clear out old flags from storage

One of the best parts of this program is that you can reuse the shipping box from your new flag purchase to send in your tattered flag for disposal. It also eliminates the need to find flag disposal locations or a flag drop box near you. 

Big box stores 

Some big box stores like Home Depot or Wal-Mart have flag disposal boxes within their store. Not every location participates in this service, so be sure to contact your local branch beforehand. 

Your local American Legion 

Many American Legion posts will gladly retire your American flag free of charge. To find a post near you, click here and enter your zip code. You can also visit their website to learn more about their flag retirement services. 

Other municipality buildings 

Some cities have flag disposal boxes at their town hall, fire stations, post offices and other public buildings. However, since not all cities offer this service, it's best to contact your local officials to confirm availability. 

How Do I Dispose of a State Flag? 

According to the United States Flag Code, state flags should be shown the same respect as the American flag and disposed of in the same manner. You can contact a local Eagle Scout or Boy Scout troop, the American Legion, or find a drop-off location near you. 

When Should I Retire My American Flag? 

The American flag should be retired when it becomes torn, tattered, and faded. While there are ways to clean a dirty flag, once the colors are no longer vibrant and you notice tearing around the ends or edges, you should no longer fly it. If you believe your flag is nearing the end of its lifespan, refer to "When Should I Replace My American Flag?" for more information on when you should retire it. 

Stop Replacing Your Flag So Frequently 

American flags are the most popular ensign in the country, with people around the nation flying them with pride. As such, they are subject to harsh weather conditions, high winds, and harsh sunlight. Low-quality flags quickly wear down under these conditions, fading and tearing within a short time. Stop wasting money on flags that don't last and discover the difference an American-made flag from Carrot-Top makes. 

Carrot-Top Industries is the premier supplier of high-quality indoor and outdoor American flags and accessories, crafted from the finest material to ensure superior durability and colorfastness. Two of our most popular models, the Beacon® Nylon American Flag and the Patriarch® Polyester American Flag, include a six-month warranty for unmatched peace of mind. 

Our Beacon® Nylon American Flag is crafted from SolarGuard® 200 denier nylon, making it fast-drying and lightweight. The sewn stripes resist fraying, while the brass grommets and strong canvas header hold up wonderfully under mild to moderate winds. 

The Patriarch® Polyester American Flag is crafted from two-ply poly for superior sun and wind resistance. It features reinforced stitching, an ultra-strong poly duck canvas header, and brass grommets to ensure it holds up to the roughest elements. All of our vibrant flags are proudly made in America by expert flag makers, ensuring they last the test of time.