Are Cremation Ashes Environmentally Friendly?

After a Chanhassen, MN cremation for a deceased loved one, you might want to scatter the ashes. That’s a viable option that many people opt to pursue – though there are other options such as keeping the ashes in an urn as a keepsake, making cremation jewelry with the ashes, and more. But if you do wish to scatter the ashes, are there any health or environmental risks? 

The good news is that cremation ashes pose no such risks, so they’re perfectly safe. Here are some things, however, for you to keep in mind if your plans include scattering ashes. 

Be Mindful About Private Property 

Just because cremation ashes don't pose health or environmental risks doesn't mean that you're free to scatter them on private property without permission from the private property owner. So whether you want to scatter the ashes on property or in rivers, you need to secure the go-ahead from the property owner beforehand. It’s not only the right thing to do out of respect, but also the right thing to do pursuant to the law. If you and your family happen to own the property upon which you'd like to scatter the ashes, then you have every right to do so. 

Be Mindful of Regulatory Stipulations 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Clean Water Act mandates that ashes can only be scattered at sea a minimum of three nautical miles away from the land whether by boat or by air. It's also important to know that urns or other receptacles containing the ashes must be disposed of in a responsible manner unless they happen to be constructed from materials that will decompose naturally. So ask the funeral home you deal with about appropriate urns based on what you actually plan to do with the cremation ashes. 

Also remember that it's against the law, according to the EPA, to scatter ashes on beaches. It's important to notify the EPA at least 30 days before the intended scattering at sea. A form is available on the agency's website. In order to avoid disappointment, check things out ahead of time. 

Each State Has Jurisdiction Over its Own Bodies of Water 

Each state has authority over its own bodies of water, so it's important not only to consult with the EPA, but also with relevant state authorities to ensure that state regulations are being adhered to. 

These are just some of the things to keep in mind if the plan is to scatter the ashes following a cremation in Chanhassen, MN. At Scott County Cremation, we’re here to help you plan direct cremations whether for a deceased loved one or for yourself if you’d like to plan ahead and spare your loved ones that responsibility. You can get in touch with us by phone at (952) 402-9000 for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our skilled sales staff. We’ll explain the process, answer your questions, and help you make the decisions. You can also stop by our office 833 S. Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN 55379 for the assistance you need.