ASK YOUR POST
VFW
National guidance invites you to contact your local Post for help with proper flag disposal. Drop boxes and hours vary by post.
Free public service · Independent · Call ahead
Retire Old Glory with dignity — find a drop-off near you
When a U.S. flag is too worn to fly, the Flag Code says to retire it in a dignified way, preferably by burning. VFW and American Legion posts invite the public to ask for help, and many Elks lodges hold Flag Day retirement ceremonies. Enter your ZIP and we’ll point you to the right people.
Find a flag drop-off
Enter your ZIP code. We’ll give you the official post and lodge locators to search near you, plus what to ask when you call. We’re phone-verifying local drop-off spots area by area and add them as they’re confirmed.
Tip: most posts and lodges collect flags year-round or before Flag Day (June 14), but hours vary, so call first.
- Search the official locators for posts and lodges near your ZIP:
- Call before you go. Ask: “Do you accept worn U.S. flags from the public? Is there a drop box, and when is your next retirement ceremony?”
- Bring the flag folded and, if you can, say whether it’s cotton or nylon/polyester. Synthetic flags are handled differently.
Want a note when we’ve verified drop-offs in your area? Your ZIP has been copied into the updates form below.
Who helps retire flags
Based on each organization’s national guidance. Individual posts and lodges still vary, so always call ahead.
ASK YOUR POST
American Legion
The Legion has an official Unserviceable Flags Ceremony and a public FAQ pointing you to a local Post. Many hold ceremonies on Flag Day; year-round boxes vary by post.
CHECK WITH THE LODGE
Elks (BPOE)
Elks lodges observe Flag Day and follow approved disposal-by-burning guidance. Public drop-off isn’t a nationwide program: some lodges hold ceremonies and accept flags, others don’t. Use the Lodge Locator, then call. Our founder is an Elk and checks lodges personally before we list them.
CASE BY CASE
Others
Scouting America troops often run retirement ceremonies, and some city, county and military-base programs collect flags. Eagles (FOE) and Moose lodges may help locally. We only list these once a local contact confirms.
When you need a new U.S.-made flag
We suggest makers certified by the Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA) as Made in the U.S.A. These are regular links to the makers’ own sites, not paid links.
Annin Flagmakers
FMAA Platinum manufacturer and the oldest U.S. flag maker. American flags made in the U.S.A. with domestic materials. Sold through retailers.
Valley Forge Flag
FMAA Platinum manufacturer and founding member. Made in the U.S. with domestic materials and labor. Usually sold through dealers.
Gettysburg Flag Works
FMAA member. States every American flag it sells is made in the USA. Sells direct online; check the label on each item.
Full FMAA member list: fmaa-usa.com.
Dignified retirement
When a flag is worn beyond respectful display, communities retire it with care, often at a Flag Day or unserviceable-flag ceremony run by a local post, lodge or Scout troop. Anyone is usually welcome to attend.
Images are illustrations.
Get local updates
We’ll email you when we’ve verified flag drop-offs in your area, before Flag Day ceremonies, or if we need help confirming a local post or lodge. No spam, and we never sell your email.