With the passing of Fourth of July and Flag Day this past year, your U.S. flag may be a little damaged. But, just when you realize your American Flag has some rips, and holes, and is overall worn out, don’t just throw it out in the nearest trash can around you! That would be considered disrespectful. Lucky for you, there are a few respectful ways to dispose of your flag properly!

1. U.S. Flag Disposal Box
Lots of county and government offices have a flag disposal box outside of their buildings. If none of these places are in reach of you, try your local police station. Even some of your local hardware stores (Home Depot and Lowes) have flag disposal boxes. Once the disposal boxes become full, American Legions, VFWs and the Girl/Boy Scouts will swing by to collect the worn out flags and hold flag retirement ceremonies.

2. Flag Day
The most common ceremony is on June 14, Flag Day. The ceremony is usually held at night. Participants of the ceremony should line up in two parallel rows about 20 feet apart while facing each other. The Legion commander will be on the other side of the participants facing them while the fire is between them.

3. Personal Ceremony
If there isn’t a flag disposal box near you or a Flag Day Ceremony, you can actually hold your own ceremony. Before you dispose of the flag, make sure the fire itself is big enough to fully burn the flag. Next, put the folded flag on top of the fire. As the flag is burning, you must salute the flag, say the Pledge of Allegiance, and then hold a moment of silence.

4. Some other ways…
Another respectful way is to bury your flag. First fold your flag in a ceremonial triangle, place it in a strong and sturdy wooden box, then bury the box a few feet underground.

Groups like the nonprofit Stars For Our Troops, cut out the embroidered stars out of the flags then give them to veterans reminding them of their service that will never be forgotten.