Chatham Boy Scout Creates American Flag Disposal Boxes

CHATHAM, NJ — Have an old American flag you want to dispose of, but not sure how to do it respectfully? One Chatham Boy Scout is looking to fix that problem, by putting flag disposal boxes in key spots around the county.

Collin Goldbach, a Chatham High School senior and Eagle Scout, worked with the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority to create the boxes. A total of four boxes will be placed around the county to make it easy to dispose of a flag. The Flag Code calls for flags to be disposed of "with dignity," and says burning is the preferred method. It is illegal to just throw a flag in the trash.

“This is a terrific project done by this scout, yet another example of the fine and talented young people we have throughout this county,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana.

Goldbach made the boxes himself, and painted them bright red. They are clearly labeled as "Box For Unserviceable U.S. Flags."

Two of the boxes will be located at MUA transfer stations (1100 Edwards Road, Parsippany and 168 Goldmine Road, Mount Olive). A third will be loctaed in the county government Administration
and Records Building at 10 Court Street in Morristown, and the last one can be found at the MUA’s facility at the Dover National Guard Armory (476 Clinton Avenue in Dover).

If a box is out of your way, most American Legion or VFWs will accept the flags and will dispose of them in a special ceremony.

Image via Morris County Government. (l/r) Freeholders Kathy DeFillippo and Deborah Smith, MUA Assistant Operations manager Mike Nunn; Frank, Collin and Dawn Goldbach; MUA Executive Director Larry Gindoff, and Freeholders Doug Cabana, Heather Darling, and John Cesaro.