Cremated Remains
What To Do With Cremated Remains
After cremation, families have a wide range of choices for what to do with the remains—far more than many people realize. Some options are traditional, others symbolic or creative, and all come with different legal, practical, and emotional considerations. This page outlines the most common paths, explains what’s allowed, and helps you choose an option that fits your values, budget, and wishes.
Containers
Cremated remains do not have to be placed in a single, standard container. Options vary widely depending on whether the remains will be kept, buried, scattered, or transformed.
Urns
Available in many materials, sizes, and styles—from simple temporary containers to decorative or biodegradable urns.
Caskets for Ashes
Small caskets designed for burial or placement in mausoleums or columbaria.
Scatter Tubes
Lightweight containers designed for temporary use, often biodegradable and intended for scattering ceremonies.
Tip: Cemeteries may have size or material requirements, but you are generally free to buy containers from any source.
Scatter Locations
Scattering cremated remains is legal in many places, but rules vary by location and land ownership.
Cemeteries
Some cemeteries offer designated scattering gardens or plots. See the Cemeteries & Plots section for details.
At Sea
Scattering at sea is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which requires remains to be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore and prohibits non-biodegradable materials.
Private or Public Land (Outside Cemeteries)
Rules depend on ownership and local regulations. Permission is often required, especially for parks or protected land.
Space Memorials
Some companies offer symbolic space releases of a small portion of remains. These services are highly regulated and expensive.
Fireworks Displays
A small amount of remains may be incorporated into fireworks by specialized providers. Availability and legality vary by location.
Cremated Remains Conversion
Some families choose to transform cremated remains into keepsakes or memorial materials.
Blown Glass
Ashes are incorporated into glass art such as paperweights, ornaments, or sculptures.
Jewelry
Small amounts of remains are sealed into pendants, rings, or other wearable items.
Artificial Reefs
Remains are mixed into concrete reef structures placed in the ocean to support marine life.
Note: These options typically use only a portion of the cremated remains, leaving families to decide what to do with the rest.