Scattering Ceremony Information

Planning a Scattering Ceremony

Scattering cremated remains is a tradition that dates back many years, allowing the bereaved to memorialize their loved ones in a way that is both unique and personal. Most often families will spread a loved one’s cremated remains in their own backyard, a beautiful park, favorite lakeside spot, or other meaningful location. Before you hold the ceremony, however, it’s important to understand any regulations that may be involved. Sometimes a permit is required or there is an environmentally sensitive area where it is unsafe to spread your loved one’s cremated remains.

Additionally, you may be interested in learning that there are urns specifically designed for a scattering ceremony. They are usually made from an environmentally friendly material that is either recyclable, water-soluble, or otherwise biodegradable. Simple Cremation offers a large selection of these urns which include ground scattering capsules, biodegradable burial urns, water scattering urns, and even urns that use cremated remains to sustain a living tree.

If you’ve been considering a scattering ceremony in the Dallas or Fort Worth area or beyond, Simple Cremation has provided a short and simple guide that will help you get started.

National Parks

Fortunately, most national parks in the United States allow the scattering of ashes. However, families must sometimes get a permit before doing so. You can call ahead of time and get permission from a park ranger, who can give you some helpful advice about the best areas for spreading your loved one’s remains. Likely, they will tell you to stay away from sensitive areas or tails where there is a lot of foot traffic.

At Sea

It is also legal to scatter cremated remains at sea, but according to the Environmental Protection Agency, everything you place in the water must be able to decompose. So if you use an urn as part of your scattering ceremony, make sure it is biodegradable first. This also applies to wreaths and flowers. They also require the spreading of cremated remains takes place at least 3 nautical miles from the coast.

Rivers, Ponds, and Lakes

Other bodies of water will have different regulations depending on what state you live in or travel to. For instance, some states will prohibit spreading ashes from the beach or shoreline, while others allow you to as long as you are 500 yards away from the shore. If it’s in a populated area, make sure the cremated remains are spread so that they do not wash ashore. Contact the local health agency to confirm before spreading ashes in a body of water.

Private Property

Families are free to scatter cremated remains on their own private property but must ask permission before doing so on someone else’s. It’s best to have a written record of the agreement to keep on file, such as an email. If the owner does not give their permission, you can try to find another location close by. It is important to note that places such as sports stadiums, amusement parks, and golf courses are private property and traditionally, owners will not allow the spreading of cremated remains. If you are planning on scattering cremated remains in a cemetery, try to find out if the grounds are public or private property before making any plans.

About Simple Cremation

Simple Cremation is family-owned and located in the Dallas and Fort Worth area that offers compassionate cremation services. We believe in compassionate care and assist families through every step of the burial. If you have questions or concerns about the cremation process or the scattering of ashes, call our caring team today in Texas for more information.