Do You Know the Rules for Legally Scattering Ashes?

By: Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services
Saturday, March 18, 2023

As more and more people choose cremation, questions about legally scattering ashes are on the rise, too.  

Ash scattering has become an increasingly popular way to remember the departed. It provides families with a unique way to celebrate their loved one in a place that was special to them during their lifetime. As beautiful and meaningful as these final acts of love may be, it is important to proceed with caution. Each state has its laws on ash scattering, and in the case of scattering ashes over water, federal law may take precedence. As part of your planning process, check local and state laws and familiarize yourself with any federal laws that may apply.

Please read on for an overview of common laws relative to ash scattering.

Spreading ashes at sea is a timeless way to memorialize the departed.

Ocean burials can be a poignant and healing way to lay a loved one to rest, especially if they had a special fondness for the water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates burials and ash scatterings at sea to preserve the health and safety of our oceans. The rules are simple but it’s important that you educate yourself on the details and adhere to them. Here are the basics:

  • Before scattering ashes at sea, you must be at least three nautical miles from the shore. The depth of the water does not matter. 
  • Only decomposable items can be scattered on the water. This includes any scattering urns, wreaths, etc. Many florists offer water-safe wreaths that readily decompose. Don’t use a regular wreath as it likely contains plastic and metal wires that will wind up as litter and could harm marine life. Individual cut flowers are acceptable for scattering.
  • Notify the EPA within 30 days of scattering ashes at sea. No documentation is needed and the EPA has created a simple online tool to assist with the notification process.
  • There are no fees or applications required for scattering ashes at sea.

If you wish to scatter ashes in Pennsylvania, you have many options.

Pennsylvania offers an array of breathtaking scenery, ranging from rolling hills to quaint towns to majestic mountains. With so much natural beauty available, the locations that may be fitting for scattering a loved one’s ashes are endless. A ceremony accompanying the scattering can be a meaningful way to remember and reflect on your loved one. Here are some common locations families choose to scatter ashes in Pennsylvania and the laws that apply to each:

  • At your home/on private property: Pennsylvania has no state laws restricting you from scattering ashes in your yard or on other property you own. However, if you want to scatter the ashes on property owned by someone else, you must get their permission first.
  • Scattering gardens: With the growing number of people in Pennsylvania electing to be cremated, many memorial parks, cemeteries, and churches throughout the state have designed scattering gardens on their properties where families can scatter a loved one’s ashes. If this is of interest to you, your funeral director can assist you in finding a location in your area.
  • Public land: There are no state restrictions on scattering ashes on public land in Pennsylvania. However, if you wish to do so, it’s recommended to check with city or county offices to see if any local regulations are in place.
  • Federal land: Most national parks allow the scattering of ashes but permission must be granted first. Each national park has its own unique set of regulations related to ash scattering, so call the park ranger’s office or do some online research about the park in question.
  • From the sky: In Pennsylvania, no laws restrict scattering a loved one’s ashes from a plane. However, the urn or container used to hold or scatter the ashes cannot be dropped. U.S. federal aviation law prohibits dropping anything from the sky that could cause harm to people or property. If you wish to have your loved one’s ashes dropped from an airplane, many companies provide this service.

When it comes to ash scattering, use common sense and good judgment. Ask for permission before scattering on private property. Check with your local jurisdiction for any additional regulations. Be considerate of others when scattering your loved one’s ashes. 

If you are unsure about where you want to scatter your loved one’s remains, do not worry. Take as long as you wish to make this decision. Our caring professionals are here to answer any questions you may have and to offer an array of helpful resources. Please reach out to us anytime.

About Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services: As a leading African American-owned and operated funeral and cremation organization, Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services has provided a ministry of care to thousands of grieving families. We promise to provide our highest level of distinguished service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. With two convenient locations serving North and West Philadelphia, it is always our pleasure to be of service. For more information about our funeral, cremation, memorial, repast, and grief counseling services, please visit batchelorbrothers.com.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Your Guide to Visitation Etiquette: Eight Basic Rules Everyone Should Know

By mastering funeral visitation etiquette, you can ensure that your presence brings comfort at a difficult time. Knowing the expectations and protocols can help you navigate these delicate situati...

A Labor of Love: How to Choose Burial Clothes for the Departed

When preparing for a loved one’s final goodbye, the choice of burial clothing becomes a heartfelt expression of reverence. The loss of a loved one is often a deeply emotional time. Amid grief, man...

Looking to Add More Produce to Your Diet? Try These Ten Simple Solutions

Take the first step towards a healthier you by learning how to effortlessly add more produce to your diet. Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet goes beyond just meeting the dail...

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Cremation: Seven Useful Facts Everyone Needs to Know

Understanding cremation begins with separating the facts from the misconceptions. Cremation has become increasingly popular in recent years as individuals seek alternative end-of-life options. Des...

Traditional Funeral Flowers Not For You? Here Are Six Clever, Eco-Conscious Options

As we become increasingly aware of environmental concerns, the impact of traditional funeral flowers on our planet has come under scrutiny. Amid grief and loss, funeral flower arrangements have lo...

Winter Heart Attacks Are More Common Than You Think. Here’s How to Reduce Your Risk

Amid the serene beauty of frosty settings, winter heart attacks are a chilling reality for many people. Winter is a picturesque time of year with its snow-covered landscapes and crackling fireplac...

How Heartfelt Condolence Messages Can Ease the Pain of Grief

Condolence messages are often a source of great comfort to those who are grappling with loss. This simple gesture lets you express your sympathies and lets the bereaved know they are in your thoug...

Five Inspiring Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Day 2024

In the United States, Martin Luther King Day is observed annually on the third Monday in January. The day commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister and pr...

The Causes of Pneumonia: Five Surprising Facts Everyone Should Know

The lesser-known causes of pneumonia involve some unexpected factors that go beyond the usual suspects. Did you know that, together with the flu, pneumonia is a top cause of death in the United St...

Funeral and Estate Planning is a Smart New Year’s Resolution. Find Out Why.

This New Year, go beyond the surface-level resolutions and delve into the power of funeral and estate planning. The journey through advanced funeral and estate planning may not be fun, but it is a...