Provided by Prince William County Solid Waste Division
June 14 is Flag Day. The day commemorates the adoption of the “Stars and Stripes” as the official flag of the United States. The U.S. Flag Code -Respect for Flag states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
Prince William County residents can show their respect for this beloved symbol by bringing old or tattered American flags to the Prince William County Landfill or the Balls Ford Road Compost Facility during regular hours of operation to be appropriately retired by local Scout groups in a traditional ceremony, or a private one at the Covanta waste to energy facility.
“The flag collection center opened in 2014 as a free service coordinated by the Boy Scouts’ Prince William District. Residents and businesses have an easy and convenient way to make sure old flags are properly retired,” says Deborah Campbell, Communications Analyst for the Solid Waste Division.
On Flag Day, inspect your current flag. If the American Flag flying at your home or business is faded, torn, tattered, or frayed, it should be replaced. Drop off the old one at the county’s American Flag Collection Center at the Prince William County Landfill and the Balls Ford Road Compost Facility. Both facilities are open Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit pwcva.gov/trashandrecycling for holiday hours and other Solid Waste Division programs and services.
