Deliver it to the American legion post nearby or some other similar organization. And they will burn it in a respectful manner. I learned this many years ago.

I have no clue how to dispose of an American flag.

Valparaiso is exactly right. The American Legion is the place to go. Their website says that "the American Legion adopted its current ceremony for the disposal of unserviceable flags in 1937... Post #139 Commander Ron Milusezewski estimates that over 80 percent of the public does not know that U.S. flags should be destroyed in a dignified and solemn ceremony." Over 80% - that is a lot! To answer the question as asked, I do know, and I learned it in 2001, more than 15 years after grade school.

I had no idea, but after hearing Valparaiso's answer, that's pretty cool. I always thoughtout of just burning it, but its disrespectful towards our nation's pride. Thanks.

I learned as a child the only way is to burn it, anything else such as throwing it away is disrespectful, plus you wouldnt want your enemies to get ahold of it and desicrate it. That is why they soldiers used to burn it

Yes, I learned as a 5th grade girl scout.

In the Army I learned that you're supposed to cut the Union (blue rectangle) to separate it from the stripes, then burn both in a "respectful" manner. As an educated guess, I would assume that means you must be in uniform and in an isloated area. BTW, fun facts: If a flag touches the ground, it should be destroyed. [edit] ...and most US flags are made in Taiwan.

You must burn it. My friend was a girl scout. (ANOTHER) FUN FACT: To preserve it, you must fold it up into triangles.

Ceremony of Final Tribute: Only one flag should be used in the ceremony, which is representative of all the flags to be burned in the service. The remainder of the flags collected should be incinerated. A corporate, government, or military incinerator or furnace can usually be found for this purpose. The ceremony should be conducted out-of-doors, preferably in conjunction with a campfire program, and it should be very special. The ceremony involves two color guards, one for the flag currently in use and a special color guard for the flag to be retired from service. Of course, this may be adapted if conditions necessitate. Just before sunset the flag which has been flying all day is retired in the normal ceremonial procedure for that location or group. The color guard responsible for the flag receiving the final tribute moves to front and center. The leader should present this color guard with the flag which has been selected for its final tribute and subsequent destruction. The leader should instruct the color guard to "hoist the colors." Leader comments: (when the flag has been secured at the top of the pole) "This flag has served its nation well and long. It has worn to a condition in which it should no longer be used to represent the nation." "This flag represents all of the flags collected and being retired from service today. The honor we show here this evening for this one flag, we are showing for all of the flags, even those not physically here." The leader should: Call the group to attention; Order a salute; Lead the entire group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag; and Order the flag retired by the color guard. Slowly and ceremoniously lower and then respectfully fold the flag in the customary triangle. Deliver the flag to the leader and then dismiss the group. This concludes the Ceremony of Final Tribute "Ceremonial Burning" Fire Preparation: It is important that the fire be sizable -- preferably having burnt down to a bed of red hot coals to avoid bits of the flag being carried off by a roaring fire -- yet be of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag. Flag Preparation: The color guard assigned to the flag opens up it tri-corner fold and then refolds the flag in a coffin-shaped rectangle. When all is ready: Assemble around the fire. The leader calls the group to attention. The color guard comes forward and places the flag on the fire. All briskly salute. After the salute, but while still at attention, the leader should conduct a respectful memorial service as the flag burns. National Flag Foundation recommends singing "God Bless America" followed by an inspiring message of the flag's meaning followed by the "Pledge of Allegiance" and then silence. When the flag is basically consumed, those assembled, with the exception of the leader and the color guard, should be dismissed single file and depart in silence. The leader and the color guard remain until the flag is completely consumed. The fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.