Newport library unveils collection bin for well-worn U.S. flags

Newport Beach residents love to fly the red, white and blue.

“But when you have a worn American flag, what do you do with it?” said Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Kitch. “This will make disposal simple and easy.”

The Newport Beach Fire Department, at the suggestion of a library employee, installed a bright-red deposit bin at the Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., next to the return area for books and videos.

Fire Department staff will collect the worn flags weekly and deliver them to the Newport Harbor American Legion, where members will dispose of them using proper ceremonial etiquette.

The idea came from Library Services Manager Dave Curtis, who had seen similar bins in other cities.

“I brought the idea here, and a lot of people liked it,” he said, adding that people don’t want to throw away flags, “because that’s not respectful.”

Traditionally, U.S. flags are disposed of by burning them during silent reflection or a flag salute. Then the ashes are buried.

For more information on flag disposal, call (949) 673-5070.

The American Legion Post 291, at 215 15th St., also has a collection bin, said Jesse Garcia, the post’s veterans services officer.

— Amy Senk