As Americans prepare to observe the Flag Day and Fourth of July holidays, Mid Michigan Waste Authority is reminding area residents to properly dispose of their old, unserviceable United States flags.
MMWA, which provides residential curbside waste collection services to 35 communities in the Saginaw Valley, encourages flag owners to follow the United States Flag Code, which outlines how to respectfully retire an unserviceable American flag.
When an American flag becomes soiled, faded and tattered, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning, according to the code. Flags should not be disposed of in trash or recycling.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) directions for proper flag disposal include folding the flag in its customary manner, then placing it in a fire large enough to ensure complete burning of the flag. Individuals can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and have a brief period of silent reflection. After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.
Nylon flags should not be burned, as they will produce toxic gases, and people should be sure to follow local fire codes and ordinances.
Some local veterans’ organizations offer drop-off boxes that make it easy for area residents to drop off worn flags for proper disposal. Two local drop-box locations include the VFW Post 1566 at the corner of Cass and Oakley streets in Saginaw, and the American Legion Post 212 bin in front of Ed Rehmann and Sons Clothing, 151 W Broad St., Chesaning. Flags collected in Chesaning will be retired in a special Flag Day ceremony on June 14 at 7 pm at the post, 15053 McKeighan Rd., Chesaning.
For additional flag disposal instructions and options, visit https://www.recyclemotion.org/guidelines/other/.