Where Can I Scatter Cremated Remains?

One of the most common concerns expressed by families that cremate a loved one is what they will do with the ashes. Scattering cremated remains in a meaningful site is a common practice, although it may be challenging to make such a choice while grieving. Families should be aware of their choices once the cremation has taken place. After you have conducted a memorial service at a Stamford, CT funeral home like Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home and are considering scattering the ashes, you will need to know where you can do so.

Stamford CT Funeral Home- Things to Know About Cremains

Below are some things to consider before settling on a final resting place for a loved one's ashes. If cremation were chosen as a final disposition option, you would be notified by the crematory when the deceased's ashes are available for collection. Ashes from a cremation are often given to loved ones in a cardboard box because of their transient nature (they are greyish-white in color and have a granular texture). However, you can use your own urn for cremains if you'd like.

Following the cremation and then a memorial service at a Stamford, CT, funeral home, some families choose to spread the ashes at a later date. You should plan and, if required, get permission to scatter the remains of a loved one in a specified spot since there are laws and regulations that prohibit doing so on private and public land.

Travelers carrying cremated remains must also provide a cremation and death certificate to clear airport security. It's also a good idea to call the airline ahead of time to be sure cremated remains can be carried on as checked baggage.

Where To Scatter Ashes After a Stamford CT Funeral Service?

We've compiled a list of the locations (you can choose multiple ones to disperse cremains after a Stamford, CT, Funeral Service):

Scatter Gardens

Consider a cemetery's scatter garden if you want a meaningful last resting place for your cherished one that is also easily accessible to friends and relatives. Scatter gardens are available in many cemeteries and even some church properties for a little charge. For those keen on green funerals and returning their dear one's ashes to the soil, scatter gardens are a beautiful and serene option. The funeral home in Stamford, CT, can provide you with additional details about these locations.

In Nature

You can scatter ashes in the United States' beautiful national parks. The selection of a nature reserve as a resting place could be a touching tribute to a person who enjoyed the outdoors or passed away while doing so. But please be respectful of the norms. The United States Park Service generally approves requests to disperse cremains in national parks, although each garden has its regulations.

Scattering Ashes At Sea

Scattering ashes over water is a common way to honor a life lived, particularly for those who found solace in being near the ocean. Families looking into maritime burial have many choices. Cremated remains are used in conjunction with concrete by some organizations to build artificial reefs that provide a new home for marine life.

Remember that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn't allow ashes to be scattered within three nautical miles of the beach without specific authorization. Even if you are only planning a simple dispersal ceremony in the ocean after a memorial service at a Stamford, CT, funeral home, you will need to take permission.

Your Home’s Backyard

You may find it comforting to have the cremated remains of a loved one close at hand. The home may have been the last place the dead felt at peace, so dispersing their ashes in a meaningful part of the garden or backyard is a fitting and easy way to honor their memory. Remember to check any applicable local ordinances before sprinkling ashes on private land. If you decide to relocate, you should know that a new structure may permanently obliterate this beautiful spot.

If you have cremated a loved one recently and are looking for more information regarding where to scatter remains, call our Stamford, CT Funeral Home. You can reach the Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home team at (318)640-1375. If you prefer to write to us, please use this Contact Us form, and one of our experts will call you back soon to discuss your requirements.