Lifespan and sustainability of flagpole and flag in Switzerland

A flagpole is a purchase for many years, a flag more for a few seasons. How long each lasts depends on material, location and care. And when they are worn out, the question is how they are disposed of and recycled in Switzerland.

How long a pole lasts

There is no fixed lifespan; it depends on several factors:

• Material: aluminium and GRP do not rust. Galvanised steel lasts as long as the galvanising stays intact. Wood needs regular repainting and is most at risk where it meets the ground. More in the guide to flagpole materials.
• Location: a pole in an exposed position, on a roof or at higher altitude is exposed to more wind, snow and UV light than one in a sheltered garden.
• Dimensions: according to Heimgartner Fahnen AG, poles with thin walls are considerably more vulnerable. A pole only just sized for the flag and the location is under more strain.
• Use: a flag that flies permanently puts more strain on pole, rope and pulley than one taken in during storms and at night.
• Care: regular checks stop small faults from becoming large ones. More in the guide to flagpole maintenance.

Wearing parts

While the pole stands for many years, other parts are replaced several times: the halyard, the snap hooks, the pulley and the counterweight. Replacing them is part of normal upkeep and extends the life of the whole pole.

When a pole is replaced

Signs that replacement is due are:

• a bent pole, or one that can no longer be set upright;
• cracks in the material or at welds;
• heavy corrosion, especially at the foot;
• a damaged ground sleeve or a cracked or subsided foundation.

Under Article 58 of the Code of Obligations, the owner of a structure is liable for damage it causes through inadequate maintenance. A pole with such damage is therefore usually replaced before it endangers people or property.

How long a flag lasts

The flag is the part that wears out fastest. Wind, UV light and rain fade the red and fray the fly edge. A flag that flies permanently lasts considerably less long than one taken in in the evening and during storms. Under the Swiss Armed Forces’ flag regulations, torn or dirty flags are replaced with new ones, and wet flags are dried before folding so that they do not go mouldy.

Disposal and recycling

• Metal poles: according to the Federal Office for the Environment, metal waste such as iron and steel scrap and aluminium from households and businesses is collected separately and processed back into raw metals in steelworks or smelters. Communes generally collect discarded metal items and pass them on to waste management companies. Long poles can be sawn up for transport.
• GRP and wooden poles: how they are disposed of is set by the commune’s waste regulations; the works depot or waste collection point can give information.
• Foundation: concrete from the foundation is construction waste and is disposed of via building firms or collection points.
• Flags: there is no rule on disposing of old Swiss flags. Polyester flags are disposed of under the commune’s waste regulations; some specialist retailers take back old flags.

Using them more sustainably

What is looked after lasts longer: a flag taken in during storms and dried when wet, a rope replaced in good time, a pole checked regularly. A second flag to alternate with spreads the wear over two flags. And a pole sized to suit the flag is under less strain. More on the right size is in the guide to flag sizes.