How to Properly Dispose of Worn-Out U.S. Flags

Arlington has collection bins for old and worn American flags at three fire stations around the city that can be dropped off for free. The flags will be periodically collected and respectfully retired by local Boy Scout Troops and laid to rest in the ash vault at Veterans Park. The fire station addresses can be found below along with contact info if you have any questions about the flag retirement boxes or process. 

Drop-Off Sites:
North Arlington - Fire Station 4 @ 1733 West Randol Mill Road
Central Arlington - Fire Station 1 @ 401 West Main Street
South Arlington - Fire Station 9 @ 909 Wimbledon Drive

Is My Flag Ready For Retirement?

A flag is ready for retirement if it is worn, tattered, ripped or stained. It’s a subjective decision. If you assess your flag and determine it is not in good condition to be flown or displayed, you can feel good about retiring it with dignity and respect.

What if My Flag is a Synthetic or Nylon Material?

Those flags can still be dropped in the fire department's collection bins for proper retirement.

Ash Vault

The United States Flag Code, Title 4, Section 8k states- “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Arlington has an ash vault at Veterans Park that was built by Boy Scout Troop 222. This vault is where all retired flags are buried in the city, alongside the memorials to the men and women who fought to keep the flag waving above our country.