Mobile County Expands Program for Disposing of US Flags

Posted on: Aug 28th, 2025

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. – Mobile County residents may now bring old, worn, or damaged U.S. flags to several designated locations throughout the county for proper and respectful disposal. As a convenience to the public, the Mobile County Commission is expanding its flag disposal program to about 20 new locations throughout the county.

In addition to Mobile Government Plaza, residents may now bring worn or damaged U.S. flags to these locations for proper disposal:

Historic Avenue Cultural Center
Mobile County License Commission Offices (Michael Square, Theodore, Eight Mile, Citronelle)
Mobile County Sheriff’s Offices (Administration, Southside Sub-Station, Northside Sub-Station)
Chickasaw Library
Prichard Library
Satsuma Library
Citronelle Memorial Library
City of Semmes City Hall
Mt. Vernon Town Hall
Saraland City Hall
Dauphin Island Town Hall
Bayou La Batre City Hall
Grand Bay-St Elmo Community & Senior Center
Connie Hudson Mobile Regional Senior Community Center

“We’ve partnered with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (Dunlap Division) to collect and respectfully retire worn and tattered flags from our community,” said Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, who spearheaded this endeavor. “By setting up these disposal boxes in various locations around the county, we can educate residents on how to care for this important national symbol, while offering a proper way to retire those damaged American flags.”

The U.S. flag disposal boxes are accessible at each location during normal business hours. All types of U.S. flags are accepted and should be folded respectfully before being placed in the box.

In 2022, Mobile County set up its first and only box in Mobile Government Plaza. Its popularity and usage prompted this program expansion. The initiative originated with the National Association of Counties and the Association of County Commissions of Alabama. It follows the U.S. Flag Code for flag retirement.

YouTube link: Mobile County’s Flag Disposal Boxes promotional video: https://youtu.be/G_8Msdd1k1M

Flag Etiquette: https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/story/article/2206946/how-to-properly-dispose-of-worn-out-us-flags/