Cremation has become an increasingly common choice, offering a variety of options for the final disposition of remains beyond traditional earth burial. The substance families receive is often called “ashes,” but this term is technically inaccurate. Cremated remains are bone mineral fragments, primarily composed of calcium phosphate, reduced to a coarse, sand-like texture through pulverization after exposure to intense heat. This modern form of memorialization allows families to select from permanent placement in a designated structure, dispersal in a meaningful location, or transformation into a tangible commemorative object.
Permanent Placement Options
A columbarium is a structure designed exclusively for the permanent, above-ground storage of cremated remains. These structures feature multiple recessed compartments, known as niches, which house urns in a secure setting. Niches may have glass fronts to display the urn or be sealed with inscribed bronze or granite plaques.
Mausoleums are larger buildings traditionally constructed for the entombment of caskets, but they often incorporate columbarium niches within their design. Placing an urn in a mausoleum niche offers an indoor, sheltered location for visitation. A columbarium is solely for urns, while a mausoleum accommodates both caskets and cremated remains.
For families preferring a traditional setting, cremated remains can be interred directly into the ground within a cemetery plot. When burying an urn, most cemeteries require an urn vault, which is an outer receptacle made of durable materials like concrete or polymer. Cemeteries require the vault to prevent the earth from settling as the urn decomposes, maintaining the flat appearance and integrity of the grounds.
Many families choose to keep the remains in a decorative urn for display and storage within a private residence. This option provides an immediate, tangible connection and a personalized memorial for loved ones who wish to keep the remains close. While this is generally unregulated, some jurisdictions may require a permit and an agreement that the remains will not be removed from their container, with arrangements made for final disposition upon the owner’s death.
Rules for Scattering Remains
Scattering cremated remains in natural environments is subject to specific federal and local regulations designed to protect public spaces and ecosystems. Scattering at sea is governed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. Federal law mandates that the remains must be dispersed at least three nautical miles from shore. The EPA requires notification of the burial within 30 days of the event.
Any container used to transport the remains to the water must be completely biodegradable, such as a scattering urn designed to dissolve upon contact with the water. Non-biodegradable items, including plastic, metal, or floral arrangements, are prohibited from being released into the ocean.
Dispersal on private land is the simplest option, requiring only the express permission of the property owner. If the family owns the land, scattering is permissible, though local zoning ordinances should be checked for restrictions.
Scattering on public lands, such as state or National Parks, is highly regulated and requires a Special Use Permit from the park superintendent. These permits often restrict the ceremony to undeveloped areas, requiring the remains to be scattered away from trails, roads, and water sources by a minimum of 100 feet. Leaving any marker, monument, or non-biodegradable object at the site is prohibited, and the remains must be scattered so they are not visible to the public. Air scattering from an aircraft is permitted under federal aviation law, provided only the cremated remains are released, and no physical object is dropped that could cause harm to people or property on the ground.
Transforming Remains into Memorials
Specialized services offer to transform cremated remains into lasting, tangible memorial objects. One technologically intricate option is the creation of synthetic diamonds, often called memorial diamonds. This process isolates the small percentage of carbon remaining in the remains and subjects it to extreme heat and pressure to form a genuine, lab-grown diamond.
Other forms of cremation jewelry, such as glass beads or pendants, require only a small portion of the remains. Memorial glass art involves embedding a small amount of the pulverized remains into molten glass, creating a unique, colored piece that permanently suspends the remains within the object.
Other transformative options focus on creating a living memorial that contributes to the environment. The remains can be mixed into a pH-neutral concrete compound to form an artificial structure, such as a reef ball. These perforated structures are then placed on the ocean floor to serve as a habitat for marine life, actively enhancing the ecosystem.
For those seeking a dramatic or symbolic farewell, niche services provide extreme options for dispersal. Families can have a small portion of the remains incorporated into fireworks displays, scattered upon the final pyrotechnic burst. Specialized companies also offer to launch a small vial of the remains into space, with options ranging from a brief suborbital flight to an Earth-orbiting journey or a deep-space voyage.