How to properly dispose of a worn-out US flag? Here’s what to know on Flag Day

How do you properly display a U.S. flag, and what do you do with it when it’s too worn out or tattered to display properly?

The Continental Congress authorized the current version of the flag, albeit with fewer stars, on June 14, 1777. The date is now celebrated as Flag Day.

The 50-star flag was raised for the first time on July 4, 1960, following the addition of Hawaii to the union.

There are rules for the proper display and disposal of the flag.

Here’s what you need to know:

How do you properly dispose of a US flag?

The U.S. Flag Code, which governs how the flag can be used and displayed, says 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 Veterans of Foreign Wars advised that the flag should be properly folded before being placed on the fire. Individuals at the ceremony should come to attention, salute, recite the Pledge of Allegiance or pause for a moment of silent reflection.

When the flag is consumed, the ashes should be buried.

Where can you drop off flags for disposal?

If you’re not able to properly dispose of a worn-out U.S. flag yourself, many VFW and American Legion posts have drop-off boxes for worn flags.

Catholic cemeteries also accept worn-out flags for proper disposal.

Hardware stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot also may offer drop-off boxes.

What are the rules for displaying a US flag?

The flag code said the flag should never be displayed upside down except as a distress signal and should never touch the ground or anything else below it.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars said the U.S. flag should always be at the top of any staff with other flags below it, but should be flown at equal height with the flags of other nations in a group of flagpoles.

It should be displayed only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open, but can be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated at night, the flag code said.

The flag must never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery, or used to cover a ceiling, the flag code said. Do not carry the flag flat or carry things on it.

Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker’s desk, draping the front of the platform and for decoration in general.

The flag code also notes the flag must not be used for advertising. It should not be embroidered on anything and should never be used as a costume or athletic uniform.

“However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations,” the code says. “The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.”