GREENSBORO, Ga. — The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties is once again offering a free U.S. flag disposal service, reminding the community that old or worn flags should never be placed in the garbage.

In accordance with the U.S. Flag Code, “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.” 

To support this respectful practice, the Rotary Club is collecting worn or damaged flags and coordinating with local Boy Scouts Troops and the Lake Oconee Elks Lodge to conduct proper flag retirement ceremonies.

Now in its 18th year, the program has responsibly retired over 3,000 flags to date. Community members are invited to participate by dropping off their old flags at any of the convenient collection locations listed below:

Flag Drop-Off Locations:

Greene County:

• Greene County Board of Education
  101 E. 3rd Street, Greensboro
• Herald Journal
  107 North Main, Greensboro
• Coldwell Banker Lake Oconee Realty
  2800 Reynolds Walk Trail, Greensboro

Putnam County:

• Eatonton Messenger
  100 North Jefferson, Eatonton
• The Peoples Bank
  2095 South Jefferson Street, Eatonton
• The Peoples Bank

995 Lake Oconee Parkway, Eatonton

“We’re proud to provide this service year after year,” said Rotarian Scott Gessay. “It’s a way to show our respect for the flag and everything it stands for.”

For more information, please message the Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties at www.greeneputnamrotary.org.