How to Dispose of American Flag Fabric, Including Nylon and Polyester Flags

Every fall we get emails that open the same way. A faded flag just came down off the porch, and the sender wants to know how to dispose of American flag fabric without doing it wrong. We make and sell Made in USA flags, so we answer this one often. Our answer starts with the fabric. Most flags flown outdoors today are nylon or polyester, and that one detail changes which retirement method makes sense.

TL;DR: The Flag Code asks that a worn flag be "destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning" (4 U.S.C. § 8(k)). The American Legion notes that nylon and polyester are hard to burn and can release harmful gases, and it does not recommend burying them. So we fold the flag and call a local American Legion or VFW post about its next retirement ceremony. A Scout troop is worth a call too. A licensed disposal service is another route the Legion names.

What 4 USC 8(k) Says About Retiring a Flag

We keep 4 U.S.C. § 8 bookmarked for this question. Subsection (k) is one sentence: "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." It names no fabric. It says nothing about burial or drop boxes. The American Legion's flag myths and FAQs page adds that the Flag Code is a guideline with no penalties attached, though the VFW notes that states have their own flag codes. The Legion also asks private citizens who burn a flag to do it discreetly so the act is not perceived as a protest. We read the word "preferably" with care. It leaves room for other dignified methods.

That one sentence in 8(k) is all the Flag Code says about retiring a flag.

How to Dispose of American Flag Fabric Made of Nylon or Polyester

Before anything else, we turn the flag over and check the label or the original listing for the fabric. Our Durable Patriot is embroidered nylon. Our Everlast American Pride is 2-ply spun polyester. We covered how those two fabrics behave on a pole in nylon vs spun polyester, and both land in the synthetic group.

This is the line from the Legion FAQ we quote most: "Most U.S. flags today are made of nylon or polyester, which are difficult to dispose of by burning and can release harmful gases." The same page says federal and state agencies, the EPA among them, have concerns about burning these flags. It also says burying them is not recommended because synthetic materials are not biodegradable. We were surprised how many guides on how to dispose of American flag fabric still suggest a backyard burial for a nylon flag.

Scouting America's flag ceremonies guide puts it in fewer words: "Some fabrics such as nylon should not be burned." It tells leaders to take local fire codes into account too. So for a synthetic flag we skip the home fire and the shovel. The Legion points to a local post's Unserviceable Flag Ceremony or to a "licensed disposal service that can safely incinerate synthetic materials at high temperatures." Some funeral homes may also accept flags for cremation with a veteran, per the same Legion page.

If the label says nylon or polyester, we take the backyard fire off the list.

Where to Drop Off Old Flags

We send most people to a veterans group or a Scout troop. The American Legion has a Find a Post tool and the VFW has one of its own. The VFW says to contact your local post if you would like help with proper flag disposal. Collection habits vary from post to post, so we always call before driving over. Ask whether they take flags year-round or only before a ceremony.

Scout troops retire flags too, and Scouting America teaches it to Cub Scouts as part of caring for the flag. We would ask the troop leader directly.

What Happens at a Flag Retirement Ceremony

The American Legion made its Unserviceable Flags Ceremony official with Resolution No. 440 at its 1937 national convention in New York. A 1944 resolution recommended Flag Day, June 14, as the most appropriate day to hold it each year. In the Legion's version, the post assembles outdoors at night with a small fire burning. The flags are presented for inspection and then destroyed. We have stood at the back of a few of these, and they are quiet.

The VFW's flag etiquette page lays out a sequence we find easy to follow. The flag is folded in the customary manner and placed on a fire large enough to burn it completely. People come to attention and salute. Then they say the Pledge of Allegiance and stand for a brief silent reflection. Once the flag is consumed, the fire is put out safely and the ashes are buried.

Many Legion posts hold their ceremony on Flag Day, so a flag retired in the fall may wait until June, and we think that is fine.

Before You Hand It Over

We fold a retiring flag the same way we fold one for storage, into the triangle shown in our guide to folding a flag. The VFW asks for that fold before disposal too. If you are not sure the flag is done yet, our post on how long an American flag lasts covers the fraying and fading signs we look for.

When one of ours comes down, a spare is already in the drawer, which is why we pack the Durable Patriot 3x5 in a set of three. Our Veterans Day flag etiquette guide covers the rest.

Related from our blog: How long does an American flag last · How to fold an American flag · Veterans Day flag etiquette

Questions About How to Dispose of American Flag Fabric

Can you throw an American flag in the trash?
We wouldn't. Under 4 U.S.C. § 8(k), a worn flag "should be destroyed in a dignified way," and a trash bag doesn't meet that bar for us. The American Legion notes the Flag Code is a guideline with no penalties, so this is about respect. We fold the flag and hand it to a local veterans post for its next retirement ceremony.

How do you dispose of a nylon flag?
Take it to a local veterans post for a retirement ceremony, or to a licensed disposal service that can incinerate synthetic materials at high temperatures. The American Legion says nylon and polyester are difficult to burn and can release harmful gases. It doesn't recommend burying them either, since they are not biodegradable. We skip the backyard fire for every synthetic flag.

What happens at a flag retirement ceremony?
In the American Legion's ceremony, the post gathers outdoors at night with a small fire burning. The flags are inspected and then destroyed with dignity. The VFW's version adds a salute and the Pledge of Allegiance with a moment of silent reflection. Many Legion posts hold theirs on Flag Day, June 14.

Where can I drop off old flags?
Start with your local American Legion post or VFW post, since both groups have online post finders. Scout troops retire flags too, and the American Legion suggests checking with local or state authorities for approved disposal options. We always call first and ask whether the group is taking flags right now, because many Legion posts hold their ceremony on or around Flag Day. Fold the flag before you bring it in.

Can I burn an American flag at home?
The Flag Code prefers burning, and the VFW publishes disposal steps: fold the flag, use a fire large enough to burn it completely, then bury the ashes once it is consumed. Follow local fire codes. The Legion asks private citizens to do it discreetly so it is not perceived as a protest. Scouting America adds that some fabrics such as nylon should not be burned, so we never burn a synthetic flag at home.

Does a flag that touched the ground have to be retired?
No. The American Legion lists that as a myth: as long as the flag remains suitable for display, it may keep flying. Scouting America's flag guide says the same about the Flag Code. We brush off the dirt and wash it if needed, depending on the material, since the Legion says the Code has no provision against washing or dry-cleaning a flag.

Sources

• U.S. Flag Code, 4 U.S.C. § 8 (respect for flag): § 8(k) a flag no longer fit for display "should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning" (Cornell LII, accessed Oct 28, 2026): https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/4/8
• The American Legion, U.S. Flag Myths, FAQs, & Terminology (Flag Code is a guideline with no penalties; discreet private burning; nylon and polyester difficult to burn and can release harmful gases; burial not recommended for synthetics; licensed disposal service; some funeral homes may accept flags; many posts hold ceremonies on Flag Day; touched-the-ground myth; washing allowed, dependent on the material; check with local or state authorities for approved disposal options) (accessed Oct 28, 2026): https://www.legion.org/advocacy/flag-advocacy/frequently-asked-questions
• The American Legion, Unserviceable Flags Ceremony (Resolution No. 440, 1937 national convention in New York; 1944 Resolution No. 373 recommending Flag Day, June 14, as the most appropriate day; post assembles out of doors at night with a small fire; flags presented for inspection and disposal) (accessed Oct 28, 2026): https://www.legion.org/advocacy/flag-advocacy/unserviceable-flags-ceremony
• VFW, Flag Etiquette (flag disposal steps: fold, fire large enough for complete burning, salute, Pledge, silent reflection, extinguish and bury ashes, follow fire codes; contact your local VFW post; states have their own flag codes) (accessed Oct 28, 2026): https://www.vfw.org/community/flag-etiquette
• VFW, Find a Post (post locator) (accessed Oct 28, 2026): https://www.vfw.org/find-a-post
• The American Legion, Find a Post (post locator) (accessed Oct 28, 2026): https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Find-a-Post
• Scouting America, Cub Scout Roundtable Interest Topic: Flag Ceremonies (PDF) (retire a flag in a dignified way; consider local fire codes and fabric; "Some fabrics such as nylon should not be burned"; burned whole or in pieces; Flag Code does not say a flag that touches the ground must be retired) (accessed Oct 28, 2026): https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Flag-Ceremonies-2019_Rev.03.01.2020.pdf