Overview

Once a body is cremated, the remains, which are often called cremains, are not "ashes" in the usual sense. They are dried bone fragments that have been pulverized. They have a sand-like consistency and often contain small portions of bone. 

Ashes from a cremation are not in any way a health risk. They may be kept or released in a variety of ways and in many locations. You may want to consider keeping a portion and letting the rest go. Once the ashes are scattered they are gone forever. Consider keeping a small portion of the ashes just in case you or someone in your family someday wants to have them as a remembrance or use them in a piece of jewelry or other keepsake. 

A variety of options for ash scattering have been available in the US for a number of years.  In addition to the traditional notion of ashes being placed in a container and preserved in a columbarium or buried, ashes may also be scattered in a chosen place.

The laws governing ash scattering differ between States but as cremation is increasing in popularity, so to are the variable and creative options for how and where ashes can be scattered.  The most important factor is to respect the wishes of the deceased, and the scattering of their ashes should be performed as part of their wishes, or as a legacy in tribute to their memory.

How to Scatter Ashes

If you are choosing to perform your own ash scattering there are several techniques you should consider when scattering ashes:

Scatter ashes into the air
Scattering is simply releasing ashes from a container. It is best to have one person at a time control the release from the container while others look on.  People can take turns doing a partial scattering one at a time. A group may scatter ashes simultaneously in a toast-like gesture using smaller individual containers for each portion of ashes. 

Check the direction of the wind and scatter the ashes down wind. Ashes are mostly made up of a dense sand like matter and will quickly fall to the ground but some of it will be a fine powder and this will become airborne forming a whitish gray cloud. 

Scatter ashes into a shallow trench
A shallow trench or groove is dug in the soil. The ashes are ceremonially poured into the trench and at the conclusion of the ceremony the trench is covered with soil. The trench can take the shape of a heart or spell out a word.  Some people scatter ashes using the trench technique on a beach and time it so the tide comes, breaks down the trench and washes the ashes out to sea. Like watching a sand castle be taken into the tide. 

Scatter ashes into a particular shape
Ashes are poured into a circle, star, heart or other shape. Some like to have the shape surround a collection of candles, flowers or some significant objects. Pouring the ashes into a particular shape will require holding the container close to the earth. 

Scatter ashes by raking the ashes into loose soil
Ashes are ceremonially poured evenly on loose soil and raked into the ground. This technique is often used at scattering gardens. 

Scatter ashes by burial
A hole is dug at least a foot deep and the ashes can either be poured in the hole or a biodegradable urn can be placed in the hole and covered. 

Scatter ashes into a body of water
If scattering into the air on a beach be aware of the wind direction.  You don't want the ashes unexpectedly blowing back at you. Remember, some of the ashes are a fine powder and this will become airborne forming a whitish gray cloud. Scattering into a body of water is best from a dock or from a boat where you can make sure and have the wind at your back. 

Consider using a scattering urn. Several companies make water-soluble urns specifically designed to float a few minutes in the water and then slowly sink or disintegrate. 

At some point in the scattering ceremony, people often toss flowers or petals into the water as a tribute. The flowers or petals float on top of the water as the ashes sink.

Where can ashes be scattered?

Most people will not be unfamiliar with the cultural practice of scattering ashes in the favorite place of a loved one.  If the chosen place is somewhere public and part of the natural landscape this can be considered quite normal practice.  Many cemeteries are now re-landscaping their grounds to provide additional green space with cultivated trees and benches, as reflective memorial areas where the bereaved can scatter ashes and have a place to return to.  If you wish to scatter your loved ones ashes in a public area you should check State laws.  Speak to your funeral director for further guidance, but do be sure to adhere to your wish as some funeral homes are more likely to steer you towards scattering or cremation interment within their designated memorial grounds.

It is also not uncommon for someone’s last wish to involve having their ashes scattered in a favourite or significant place. Many choose a place to have your ashes scattered that is close to home like in the garden or flowerbeds, or perhaps have ashes scattered around a favorite tree or bush. Some even choose to scatter ashes off the deck or by the patio. A farmer might have ashes scattered over his land, perhaps be plowed into their field and a memorial placed at the fields edge. These places are popular because by the home is convenient and it is easy to establish a memorial on your property. Having ashes scattered in place that held special meaning to the deceased is a popular choice. This scattering site might be a place of recreation like, the golf course, hunting grounds, fishing hole, a hiking trail, a mountain or ski trail. There is no limit when it comes to scattering ashes. Remember the phrase, "home is where the heart is".

Scattering By Sea

Scattering ashes can be considered a more natural final disposition, plus it can provide us with a sense of freedom and oneness with nature. This is probably why outdoor settings of natural beauty are often desired. Scattering over bodies of water has been a favorite, keeping in mind the concept that all life began in the sea. It is the sea in which we came, and eventually, life flows back to the sea. Many see scattering ashes over water or water burial as the fastest route to the greatest dispersal. If to be scattered far and wide is the goal, then the sea is appropriate.  Many companies offer ash scattering services at sea, especially close to coastal areas.  There are a whole plethora of businesses offering unattended or attended scattering at sea packages, chartering a small yacht to full memorial ceremony aboard a large sailing vessel.  Prices vary enormously but usually start from as little as $100.  

Memorial Reefs

For those who have a passion for the ocean but who are looking for something different than a standard scattering at sea – there are now a number of companies that offer memorialized cremation in ocean reefs.  If you are looking for something alternative to a ash scattering at sea, then one of these man-made reef memorials may be for you.  Prices can start from in the region of $2,495. 

Scattering by Air

The other popular choice for those interested in ash scattering is scattering by air, which can be over sea or land.   This is usually done by professionals, when the ashes are cast from a private plane.  Some of them will coordinate with your ceremony to fly over and scatter the ashes at a specified place and time, and on clear days a cloud of ash can be seen from the ground. Most professionals will provide a certificate of the place and time and even photos. Some will allow passengers to attend the scattering of ashes for an extra fee.  Prices can start from around $250.  

Cremation Fireworks

A more contemporary option for ash scattering is to have ashes can be scattered by exploding fireworks. These are special fireworks displays that contain a number of fireworks specially modified to incorporate cremated remains.  A nighttime display of firework scattering might be the perfect memorial and the way to say goodbye.   Restrictions on firework displays will apply. Some areas, such as national parks in the United States, require a scattering permit and probably will prohibit fireworks. Permission should be sought if scattering ashes by fireworks over areas where people gather, such as baseball stadiums. Cremated remains can be scattered by fireworks over private property with the owner's permission. Check with local authorities to ensure that your fireworks display is legal.   Some companies that offer this service also conduct firework displays over the sea.  Prices start in the region of $3,000.

Balloon Scattering

Another mode of ash scattering by air involves a small portion of cremated remains being placed inside a huge helium filled balloon.  After its release, the balloon travels up to an altitude of approximately five miles. At that height the temperature is 40 degrees below zero. When it cools at this temperature the balloon crystalizes and fractures, scattering the ashes.  The balloon is biodegradable and therefore eco-friendly.  

Ashes Scattered into Space

..From the stars we are born, to the stars we will return..
This was brought to the public’s attention by the famous scattering of the creator of Star Trek - Gene Roddenberry’s cremations.   Leaving Earth to touch the cosmos is an experience few have ever known, but many have often dreamed of. Space ash scattering makes it possible to honor the dream and memory of your departed loved one by launching a symbolic portion of cremated remains into Earth orbit, onto the lunar surface or into deep space. Missions into space that return the cremated remains to Earth are also available. A small portion of cremated remains is taken aboard a commercial or scientific space mission and released into earth's orbit or returned to earth. 

Starting prices can range between $500 - $12,500 dependent on company and services.