What Happens to Ashes After They Are Cremated?
Cremation is a process that transforms the human body into ashes, also known as cremated remains or cremains, through intense heat. For families who are exploring cremation as a memorial option, understanding what happens to the remains after the cremation process is important. From the moment the cremation process is complete to the point where ashes are returned to loved ones, there are several key stages that follow.
In this guide, we’ll break down the journey of cremated remains and offer insight into what you can expect after your loved one has been cremated.
The Cremation Process: Turning a Body into Ashes
Before discussing what happens after cremation, it's helpful to understand the process itself. During cremation, the body is placed in a cremation chamber, also called a retort, where it is exposed to extreme heat—typically between 1,400 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat causes the body’s organic materials to vaporize and the bones to break down.
What remains after cremation is primarily bone fragments, which are processed into a fine powder to create the ashes. These cremated remains generally consist of inorganic matter (such as bone), which has been reduced to a soft, light, and somewhat granular form. These remains are often white or grey in color but can vary depending on factors like the temperature of the cremation and the individual's unique characteristics.
What Happens Immediately After Cremation?
Once the cremation process is complete, the remains are carefully removed from the cremation chamber and allowed to cool. At this point, the cremated remains still contain bone fragments, which are usually about the size of grains of sand or larger pieces, depending on the person’s body structure.
Cooling: The remains are allowed to cool for a few hours.
Processing: The bone fragments are placed in a special machine called a cremulator. This machine grinds the remains into a fine, uniform powder, which is what most people recognize as "ashes." The result is a soft, fine, and often slightly gritty substance.
Identification and Packaging: At this stage, the cremated remains are carefully sifted and packaged into a container, typically an urn, or other chosen receptacle. The family may select an urn or container that is meaningful, or they may opt for a biodegradable urn if they intend to scatter the ashes in nature.
The Final Destination of Cremated Remains
After the cremation process, the cremated remains can be handled in several ways. The family of the deceased typically has the final say on the disposition of the ashes. Here are some common options:
Keepsakes and Memorials: Many families choose to keep a portion of the ashes in an urn at home as a cherished memorial. Some may divide the ashes into smaller portions to distribute among family members or loved ones. Memorial keepsakes, such as necklaces, rings, or decorative pieces, can be crafted to hold small amounts of ashes.
Scattering Ashes: Scattering ashes is one of the most common and meaningful ways to dispose of cremated remains. Families may scatter the ashes in a location that held personal significance to the deceased, such as a favorite park, beach, or nature reserve. This practice allows the deceased to "return" to nature, creating a beautiful, peaceful farewell.
Burial or Entombment: In some cases, families may choose to bury or entomb the cremated remains. This can occur in a family plot or a designated area of a cemetery, often in a small urn or biodegradable container. Some families choose a columbarium, a structure designed specifically for the placement of urns.
Incorporating Ashes into Art or Keepsakes: Another option is to have the cremated remains incorporated into a lasting memorial. Some artists create glass art, sculptures, or jewelry that incorporates the ashes of a loved one, preserving their memory in a unique and creative way.
Destination Ash Scattering: For those looking for a meaningful and memorable way to honor their loved one’s life, destination ash scattering is becoming an increasingly popular choice. This involves scattering the ashes in a special location that held significance to the deceased, such as a favorite vacation spot, a national park, or even at sea.
Environmental Impact of Cremation Ashes
One of the benefits of cremation is its relatively low environmental impact compared to traditional burial practices. Unlike burials that require land, chemicals, and non-biodegradable caskets, cremation only leaves behind ash and bone fragments. These remains are biodegradable and, when scattered in nature, often contribute to the environment by enriching soil or supporting plant life.
For those who want to take this eco-friendly approach a step further, scattering cremated remains in a natural setting, such as a forest, beach, or national park, allows families to honor their loved ones while preserving the environment. Some scattering services, like those offered by BONAVENTURE, provide a respectful and eco-friendly way to scatter ashes in some of America’s most beautiful locations, ensuring that your loved one’s memory is honored with care and compassion.
Legal Considerations for Handling Cremated Remains
While scattering ashes can be a peaceful and meaningful act, it’s important to be aware of legal guidelines for handling cremated remains. Each state has its own regulations regarding the scattering of ashes, and certain locations, such as national parks or private land, may require special permits.
Public Land and National Parks: If you plan to scatter ashes in a national park, special permits may be required. Some parks may only allow scattering at certain locations or during specific times of year.
Water Scattering: Scattering ashes at sea or in lakes often requires compliance with specific regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the U.S., ashes must typically be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore when done at sea.
Private Property: If you plan to scatter ashes on private property, be sure to obtain the landowner’s permission. In some cases, local ordinances may have specific rules regarding the scattering of ashes.
Services like BONAVENTURE can help families navigate these legal requirements and ensure that the scattering process is conducted in full compliance with the law, allowing you to focus on creating a meaningful tribute for your loved one.
Honoring a Loved One with Care and Respect
Cremation and the handling of cremated remains offer families a wide range of meaningful options for honoring the memory of a loved one. Whether you choose to keep the ashes in a memorial urn, scatter them in a special location, or incorporate them into a work of art, the choice is deeply personal and should reflect the individual’s life and legacy.
At BONAVENTURE, we specialize in helping families fulfill their loved one’s final wishes by providing destination ash scattering services in some of the most beautiful and serene locations across the U.S. We take care of all the logistics, permits, and legal requirements so that you can focus on what matters most: honoring your loved one’s life and creating a lasting, meaningful tribute.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a heartfelt and respectful memorial for your loved one.
