U.S. flags should never be thrown in the trash, even when they are too old or damaged to fly.

Where can I bring my old or damaged U.S. flag?

Residents can bring their unserviceable U.S. flags (flags that can no longer be displayed because of age, tears, or other damage) to any Marion County Solid Waste location or to Marion County Veterans Services (2528 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala). Flags brought to these locations will be respectfully retired in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code.

What happens to the flags next?

If choosing to bring their flags to a Solid Waste location, residents should give their flag to employees at the recycling centers or landfill; staff will then place the flag in a specially-made collection box indoors. Once a collection box is full, Solid Waste will deliver the flags to Veterans Services where they will either be donated to Operation Shoebox or stored until the annual Flag Retirement Ceremony on Flag Day, June 14, at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. Operation Shoebox sends the flags’ embroidered stars in care packages to troops serving overseas before retiring the flags per U.S. Flag Code.