Did you know the average outdoor flag lasts only about 90 days? The ever-changing weather and the blasting rays of the sun will inevitably result in a worn-out flag.
The United States has a set of laws pertaining to disposal known as the United States Flag Code, or “retiring the flag."
DISPOSE FLAGS
If you have an American flag like this, you can properly dispose of it at a few county government locations:
GOVERNMENT CENTER
When you walk into the lobby of the Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax), you’ll see a flag disposal box located near the main information desk. The American Legion will collect flags and conduct a Flag Retirement Ceremony at its site.
I-66 / I-95 TRANSFER STATIONS
Flag disposal boxes are also located at the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex and are available during residential hours. The American Legion will collect flags and conduct a Flag Retirement Ceremony at its site.
POLICE STATIONS
All Fairfax County Police stations accept American flags and they are collected twice a year by Police Honor Guard for proper disposal.
- Fair Oaks District Station
12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax - Franconia District Station
7170 Silver Lake Blvd.,, Alexandria - Mason District Station
6507 Columbia Pike , Annandale - McLean District Station
1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean - Mount Vernon District Station
2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria - Reston District Station
1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston - Sully District Station
4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly - West Springfield District Station
6140 Rolling Road, Springfield
BURIAL
You can bury a flag in the ground in a well-constructed container to keep it protected. In the U.S. Flag Code, it states the cloth should not come in contact with the ground or dirt. Fold it properly and place it in the box. Take a moment of silence or respectfully say a few words as you bury the box.
SHREDDING
Shredding gives you multiple options to either burn, bury or recycle the material once it is disassembled. But you must do this in a proper and respectful manner, as with all American flag disposal options.
In the first technique, you must separate each of the white and red stripes.
The other option is to cut the flag in half vertically, and then again horizontally.
The most important step for both procedures is to make sure the blue section with the stars stays intact.
Flag recycling is common with synthetic and nylon-made flags because burning these materials can be hazardous.
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