Don't Throw Away Flags After The 4th | Community Spirit

In celebration of the July 4th holiday, more and more American flags appear on homes, businesses and organizations across the area.  This is one of the most patriotic times of year as people celebrate America’s independence.

It is also a time when old and worn flags are often replaced with new flags.

“Drivers often see an increase in flags thrown away following major Holidays,” said Carrie Spencer, spokesperson for Waste Management of St. Louis.  “When possible, our drivers save the flags from the waste stream and turn them over to local groups who properly retire them.”

Waste Management would like to remind people, American flags that have done their duty need to be officially and properly retired, not thrown in the trash when they are no longer needed.

The U.S. Congress has enacted regulations governing American flag disposal, and set penalties for handling flags improperly.

Spencer says, “We encourage everyone to retire flags according to the U.S. Flag Code.”

The Flag Code, as originally passed by Congress in 1942 and amended over the years, recommends burning old flags in a respectful setting as the preferred means of disposal.

Since many flags are now made from synthetic fibers that can release small amounts of toxic fumes when burned, some flag advocates recommend bringing them to a crematorium rather than burning them in the open air.

Many community and veterans groups such as the American Legion, VFW and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts collect used flags for retirement.