To properly dispose of an American flag, the preferred and most respectful method is to hold a flag burning ceremony where the flag is carefully folded and completely burned, leaving only ashes that are then buried. This ceremony can be done in a private location by following safety and local fire regulations. During the burning, it is customary to salute the flag, say the Pledge of Allegiance, and observe a moment of silence. Other respectful methods include:

• Dropping the flag off at community collection points such as American Legion posts, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), local police stations, or designated flag disposal boxes, where organizations hold formal retirement ceremonies.
• Burying the flag in a dignified manner by folding it properly, placing it in a wooden box, and burying it respectfully in the ground with a moment of silence.
• Recycling the flag through textile recyclers or flag companies that repurpose old flags.

Flags should never be disposed of in regular trash or recycling bins as they are national symbols that deserve respectful retirement.