The US Flag Code (4 U.S.C. § 8(k)) states that a flag "no longer a fitting emblem for display" should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. This guide covers the four respectful, legal options for retiring an American flag in 2026, with locations, costs, and cultural protocol.
Where to retire an American flag (USA, ranked)
| Option | Cost | Best for | Notes |
|---|
| VFW post drop-off | Free | Nylon, cotton, or polyester flags | Veterans of Foreign Wars holds quarterly retirement ceremonies; drop off any size. 6,200+ posts nationwide |
| American Legion post drop-off | Free | Any flag in any condition | Annual Flag Day (June 14) ceremonies are open to the public. 12,000+ posts in the US |
| Boy Scouts of America (local troop) | Free | Smaller flags, families wanting to attend | Local troops hold retirement ceremonies; some accept by-mail with prepaid label |
| Mail-in to flag.org or American Flag Foundation | Postage (~$8-$15) | Rural areas with no local post | Box up the flag, mail to designated address, you receive a Certificate of Retirement by email |
| Local fire department (with permission) | Free | If you want to attend a ceremony | Check first - some accept; many do not |
| County HHW or recycling center | Free | Last resort if no veterans organization nearby | They incinerate as a respectful disposal |
The US Flag Code (4 U.S.C. § 8(k)) on dignified disposal
"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."
The Code does NOT mandate burning specifically - any dignified disposal is acceptable. Burying, cutting into pieces (some traditions), or returning to a veterans organization for ceremony are all considered respectful.
VFW post drop-off process
- Find the nearest VFW post at vfw.org/find-a-post
- Call ahead - some posts only accept flags during specific hours
- Bring the flag folded in the traditional triangle if possible
- Sign the drop-off log - shows the date and your name (not required, but customary)
- Receive a thank-you card at most posts - some give a memorial item
VFW retirement ceremonies typically happen quarterly (March, June, September, December) or annually on Flag Day (June 14). The flag is burned individually with honor protocols read.
DIY burning instructions (US Flag Code compliant)
If you choose to retire the flag yourself:
- Use a fire-safe location - a metal fire pit, outdoor BBQ, or designated burning area. Never indoors.
- Have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby
- Fold the flag traditionally (triangle fold, 13 folds)
- Place the folded flag in the fire in one piece - do not unfold to feed it
- Stand respectfully during the burning. Some recite the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem
- When the flag is fully consumed, allow the ashes to cool, then bury them or scatter them in a respectful location
- Document with a photo or note if desired for your records
Per local fire ordinances, you may need a burn permit. Check with your municipal fire department before backyard burning.
Flags that are NOT for backyard burning
- Nylon flags release toxic fumes when burned - take to VFW or American Legion instead
- Polyester flags also burn poorly with fumes
- Cotton + wool flags burn cleanest and are most-recommended for DIY ceremony
- Modern indoor flags with brass fittings - remove the metal hardware before burning
If your flag is nylon or polyester (most modern outdoor flags), use the veterans organization route. They have proper ceremonial procedures for synthetic materials.
Cost of a US flag retirement
- VFW + American Legion drop-off: free
- Boy Scouts ceremony: free
- DIY burning: free if you have a fire pit
- Mail-in retirement service: $8-$15 postage
- Replacement US flag: $20-$80 for a standard 3x5 ft (nylon ~$25, cotton ~$45, embroidered cotton ~$80)
Flag retirement ceremonies open to the public
These annual events welcome the public to attend:
- Flag Day (June 14) - American Legion + VFW posts nationwide
- Independence Day (July 4) - many local ceremonies tie in flag retirement
- Veterans Day (November 11) - regional ceremonies often include retired-flag burnings
- Memorial Day - some posts include retired flags in the ceremony
Check your local VFW or American Legion website for specific 2026 dates.
Mail-in retirement services
For rural Americans with no local VFW/Legion post:
- American Flag Foundation (flag.org) - prepaid USPS box, mail in any size flag, receive Certificate of Retirement by email
- Star Spangled Flag Retirement Service - mail-in service, $12 postage, includes commemorative pin
- Local Boy Scout troops - some accept by mail with a prepaid label; ask via your nearest Boy Scout Council
Average mail-in turnaround: 2-4 weeks for the certificate; the flag is included in the next available troop ceremony.
Burying a US flag (alternative to burning)
If burning is not practical, US Flag Code permits respectful burial:
- Fold the flag in the traditional triangle
- Place in a wooden or metal box (NOT plastic)
- Bury at least 12 inches deep on private property (or with cemetery permission)
- Mark the location with a small headstone or marker if desired
This option suits families with property who want a more permanent memorial.
What NOT to do
- Never throw a US flag in the trash - it's against US Flag Code (though not illegal in most jurisdictions)
- Never burn in a way that damages the flag (cutting it up while burning is disrespectful)
- Never use a US flag for cleaning or decorative purposes after retirement - it should not be repurposed
- Never bury in a marked grave with another body - it should be a flag-specific burial
Sources
- US Flag Code, 4 U.S.C. § 8(k)
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post directory
- American Legion post directory
- Boy Scouts of America Flag Retirement Protocol
- American Flag Foundation mail-in retirement service
Last verified: 2026-05-23. VFW + American Legion post locations + retirement ceremony dates change annually - confirm with your local post before drop-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I dispose of an old American flag?
VFW posts and American Legion posts accept worn US flags free of charge - they hold quarterly retirement ceremonies and on Flag Day (June 14). Local Boy Scout troops also accept flags. For rural areas with no local post, mail-in services like flag.org or American Flag Foundation accept flags by post for $8-$15 postage.
Is it illegal to throw away an American flag?
Not illegal in most US jurisdictions, but against the US Flag Code (4 U.S.C. § 8(k)) which states a worn flag 'should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.' Most Americans choose VFW or American Legion drop-off rather than landfill, which is considered disrespectful.
Can I burn an American flag in my backyard?
Yes, in a fire-safe location (metal fire pit, outdoor BBQ) with proper protocols. Fold the flag traditionally, place in fire whole, stand respectfully during burning, bury or scatter the ashes after. Check local fire ordinances - some jurisdictions require a burn permit. Nylon and polyester flags should not be burned in backyards due to toxic fumes.
Do VFW posts charge to retire a flag?
No - all VFW posts accept worn US flags free of charge. They hold quarterly retirement ceremonies (March, June, September, December) and an annual Flag Day ceremony (June 14). Find your nearest post at vfw.org/find-a-post.
Can I bury an American flag instead of burning it?
Yes - US Flag Code permits respectful burial as an alternative to burning. Fold in traditional triangle, place in wooden or metal box (NOT plastic), bury at least 12 inches deep on private property or with cemetery permission. Mark the location with a small headstone if desired.
How do I retire a nylon American flag?
Nylon flags release toxic fumes when burned and should NOT be burned in backyards. Take to a VFW or American Legion post - they have proper ceremonial procedures for synthetic materials. Cotton or wool flags burn cleanly and are recommended for DIY ceremony.
What is the US Flag Code on flag disposal?
4 U.S.C. § 8(k) 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.' Any dignified disposal is acceptable - burying, returning to veterans organization, or burning are all respected.
Where can I mail my old flag for retirement?
Mail-in services include flag.org (American Flag Foundation, prepaid USPS box), Star Spangled Flag Retirement Service ($12 postage, includes commemorative pin), and many Boy Scout Councils. Turnaround is 2-4 weeks for the Certificate of Retirement.
Are flag retirement ceremonies open to the public?
Yes - annual events on Flag Day (June 14), Independence Day (July 4), Veterans Day (November 11), and Memorial Day include flag retirement ceremonies open to the public. Check your local VFW or American Legion website for specific 2026 dates.
What flags can NOT be retired through burning?
Nylon and polyester flags release toxic fumes when burned. Modern indoor flags with brass or aluminum fittings should have the metal removed before burning. Cotton and wool flags burn cleanest. For synthetic flags, use VFW or American Legion ceremony instead of DIY burning.