Where To Properly Dispose Of American Flags In Rhode Island

American flags are one of the most sacred symbols of the United States, and, as such, there is a strict code relating to how they should be flown, used, and, perhaps most importantly, properly disposed of. Flags cannot be placed in the trash, instead they must be retired in a special burning ceremony. Since that's pretty difficult and potentially dangerous to complete individually, organizations across Rhode Island accept worn out flags for retirement.

"The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, shall be destroyed in dignified way, preferably by burning," reads the U.S. Flag Code in part.

Members of the public can drop off flags at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery office, which is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call (401) 268-3088 in advance to make sure there is enough room in storage for your flag.

Both the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England, located at 500 Greenwich Ave. in Warwick, and the Boys Scouts of Rhode Island Narragansett Council, located at 10 Risho Ave. in East Providence, will accept flags as well.

Additionally, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion posts will accept flags for retirement. Here are some locations across the state.

Veterans of Foreign Wars

• 197 Providence St., West Warwick
• 172 Washington St., Warwick
• 7 Haven Ave., Cranston
• 354 Fruit Hill Ave., North Providence
• 22 Winter St., Providence
• 55 Overland Ave., Pawtucket
• 29 South Main St., Coventry
• 513 Dexter St., Providence
• 1418 Plainfield Pike, Cranston

American Legion

• 2 Legion Way, West Warwick
• 287 Veazie St., Providence
• 662 West Shore Rd., Warwick
• 2 Salem St., Providence
• 25 McCallum Ave., Pawtucket
• 830 Willett Ave., Riverside
• 1016 Main St, East Greenwich
• 19 Arnold St., Woonsocket
• 681 Providence St., West Warwick
• 1005 Charles St., North Providence
• 695 Broad St., Cumberland

When dropping off a flag for retirement, remember to treat it with respect. If possible, fold the flag into the traditional triangle. To do so, fold it lengthwise twice, into thirds, so the stars are facing out. Begin the triangle fold at the striped end, folding the outer corner across to the inner edge. Continue to fold diagonally until you reach the end, then tuck the edges underneath the fold to form a neat triangle shape. Place the flag in a plastic bag or other covering to prevent it from being soiled during transportation.

More information on flag etiquette, proper flag retirement ceremonies and how to properly fold a flag is available from the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Affairs.