What to Do with Ashes

Families can keep cremated remains at home, transform them into solidified remains, scatter them in meaningful locations, or choose from more than 25 other options based on personal preferences, state regulations, and family traditions. According to the National Funeral Directors Association's 2024 Cremation & Burial Report, the U.S. cremation rate has reached 61.9%, with states like Nevada (83%) and Washington (82%) leading the trend. An estimated 75 million Americans currently live with cremated remains stored at home, many uncertain about what to do next. This comprehensive guide covers your options, the legal requirements that vary by state, and innovative alternatives like Parting Stone's solidification service that transforms cremated remains into 40 to 80 smooth stones families can hold, share, and cherish.

If you find yourself asking what to do with cremated remains, you are not alone in this experience. Many families describe feeling overwhelmed by the options or uncertain about honoring their loved one's memory in the right way. Taking time to explore your options, when you are ready, can help you find an approach that brings comfort rather than anxiety.

Reviewed By:

Cathy Sanchez Babao

Mental Health Advocate • Grief Coach • Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist • Award-Winning Author • M.A. Family Psychology & Education (Miriam College) • Advanced Grief Training (Center for Loss & Life Transition & Columbia University)

26 Options for Cremated Remains

The following numbered list covers traditional approaches, innovative alternatives, and creative options available to American families. Each option includes relevant legal considerations and practical details to help you make an informed decision.

1. Keep Cremated Remains at Home in an Urn
   1. Keeping cremated remains at home allows families to maintain physical closeness with their departed loved one. Urns come in countless styles, from traditional brass and ceramic designs to customized options reflecting hobbies, interests, or personality.
   2. Legal considerations: No federal laws restrict keeping cremated remains at home. Most states have no specific requirements. California requires signing a permit agreeing to keep remains in their container. If you move or sell your home, no legal obligation exists to disclose the presence of cremated remains to buyers in most states.
   3. Practical note: Many families struggle with where to display an urn, and research shows that remains often end up stored in closets, basements, or garages rather than incorporated into daily life.
2. Solidified Remains: A Complete Alternative to Ashes
   1. Solidified remains represent an entirely new category of cremation aftercare, offering a complete alternative to conventional ashes rather than a memorial product. When families choose cremation, they can now be asked: Would you like to receive cremated remains or solidified remains? This transforms the fundamental question families face after cremation.
      Parting Stone's solidification process transforms the full amount of cremated remains into 40 to 80 smooth stones ranging from thumbnail to palm-sized. The technology was validated by Los Alamos National Laboratory, creating ceramic-like stones that are permanent, clean, and comfortable to hold. Based on customer feedback from over 10,000 families served since 2019, 98% report satisfaction with their solidified remains experience.
   2. How the process works: Families ship cremated remains using a provided collection kit. At the laboratory in Santa Fe, New Mexico, technicians remove impurities like metals and implants, then refine the remains into powder. A small amount of binder creates a clay-like material from which stones are formed. The stones are heated in a kiln, creating ceramic-like permanence. The process takes approximately 8 weeks with email updates throughout.
   3. Legal considerations: Solidified remains are handled under the same regulations as cremated remains. No additional permits or legal requirements apply. Solidified remains can be scattered, buried, kept at home, or transported across state lines and international borders more easily than traditional ashes.
   4. Environmental benefit: Research conducted with Los Alamos National Laboratory demonstrated that solidified remains have negligible environmental impact compared to traditional cremated remains. Scattering conventional ashes can affect soil chemistry and damage plant life due to high alkalinity and salt content. Solidified remains behave like natural stones without affecting ecosystems.
   5. Cost: $2,495 for human remains solidification (includes shipping both ways). $1,195 for pet remains.
3. Scatter Ashes on Private Land
   1. Scattering cremated remains on private property, such as a family farm, backyard, or cherished location, offers a personal and meaningful tribute.
   2. Legal considerations: Most states allow scattering on private property with landowner permission (written or verbal consent accepted, though written records recommended). Indiana requires a permit from the local health department unless scattering in a cemetery or established scattering garden. California requires scattering to not be visible to the public. If scattering on property you do not own, always obtain explicit permission first.
4. Scatter Ashes at Sea
   1. Ocean scattering provides a meaningful return to nature for families with connections to the sea.
   2. Legal considerations: EPA requires scattering at least 3 nautical miles from shore under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. Only biodegradable urns permitted, or ashes must be removed from containers. Must notify EPA within 30 days using the burial-at-sea report form. California adds a 500-yard minimum from shore for state waters. Florida requires scattering beyond the reef line.
   3. Practical note: Traditional cremated remains can blow back unexpectedly during ocean scattering. Parting Stone solidified remains offer a more controlled experience without wind concerns.
5. Scatter Ashes in Lakes, Rivers, or Streams
   1. Inland water scattering in lakes, rivers, and streams provides a freshwater alternative to ocean scattering.
   2. Legal considerations: Inland waters are NOT regulated by federal MPRSA rules. Instead, state and local authorities govern inland scattering. Washington State explicitly permits scattering in public navigable waters including Puget Sound, rivers, streams, and lakes. Some states require permits from state waterway departments. Check with your state environmental agency or health department before proceeding.
6. Scatter Ashes in National or State Parks
   1. Many families choose to scatter in national parks like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or Yosemite for their natural beauty and significance.
   2. Legal considerations: Most national parks require a special-use permit, often with 30-day advance notice. Scattering must occur away from trails, developed areas, and other visitors. No markers, plaques, or memorials may be placed. Environmentally or archaeologically sensitive areas may be prohibited. State parks have varying requirements; contact the managing agency directly.
7. Bury Cremated Remains in a Cemetery Plot
   1. Traditional cemetery burial provides a permanent memorial location for family visits. Cremated remains can be buried in a standard plot (often allowing multiple urns) or a smaller cremation plot.
   2. Legal considerations: Cemeteries have their own rules regarding urn types, burial depth, and markers. No special permits typically required beyond cemetery approval. Costs vary significantly by location, ranging from $500 to $5,000+ depending on plot size and cemetery type.
8. Place Remains in a Columbarium Niche
   1. A columbarium is a structure with niches designed to hold urns, often found in cemeteries, churches, or memorial gardens. Niches may include glass fronts for viewing decorative urns or photos.
   2. Legal considerations: Managed by the columbarium facility. No state or federal permits required.
9. Scatter in a Designated Scattering Garden
   1. Many cemeteries and memorial parks maintain designated scattering gardens specifically for cremated remains.
   2. Legal considerations: No permits required when using established scattering gardens. This option simplifies compliance for families wanting to scatter without navigating complex regulations.
10. Memorial Jewelry and Keepsakes
    1. Memorial jewelry incorporates a small amount of cremated remains into pendants, rings, bracelets, or other wearable items. This option allows family members to keep a physical connection close at all times.
    2. Important note: Most memorial jewelry uses only a tiny portion of remains, leaving families with significant amounts still requiring decisions. Parting Stone solidified remains address this by transforming the full amount into a form families can live with comfortably.
11. Memorial Diamonds and Gemstones
    1. Several companies transform carbon extracted from cremated remains into lab-grown diamonds or gemstones. These services typically require several months and use only a small portion of remains. Prices range from $2,000 to $25,000+ based on diamond size and quality.
12. Memorial Reef or Ocean Burial
    1. Eternal reef programs mix cremated remains with environmentally safe concrete to create artificial reef structures placed in the ocean. These living memorials provide habitat for marine life. The Neptune Memorial Reef off Key Biscayne, Florida, spans 16 acres on the ocean floor.
    2. Legal considerations: Reef placement companies handle permitting. Families receive GPS coordinates to visit the reef location.
13. Tree Planting and Living Memorials
    1. Bio urns and tree planting services use cremated remains as part of the growing medium for a memorial tree.
    2. Environmental consideration: Research indicates that untreated cremated remains can damage plant life due to high alkalinity, phosphates, and sodium content. Specialized bio urns include soil amendments to counteract these effects. Parting Stone solidified remains are gentler for garden placement, behaving like natural stones without affecting soil chemistry.
14. Art Glass and Sculptures
    1. Glass artists incorporate cremated remains into blown glass sculptures, paperweights, ornaments, or other decorative pieces. These custom artworks create beautiful memorials while using a small portion of remains.
15. Space Memorials
    1. For those with connections to astronomy or space exploration, companies offer services to launch a small portion of cremated remains into Earth orbit, to the lunar surface, or into deep space.
16. Vinyl Records with Ashes
    1. Specialty services press a small amount of cremated remains into functional vinyl records featuring meaningful music, recordings of the departed's voice, or custom audio.
17. Memorial Tattoo Ink
    1. Some tattoo artists and companies offer services to incorporate a small amount of cremated remains into tattoo ink, creating a permanent memorial tattoo.
18. Fireworks Display
    1. Specialty companies create professional fireworks displays incorporating cremated remains, sending them skyward in a celebratory tribute.
    2. Legal considerations: Fireworks displays require permits in most jurisdictions. Companies handling these services typically manage permitting.
19. Memorial Paintings
    1. Artists can incorporate cremated remains into oil or acrylic paintings, creating custom artwork featuring landscapes, portraits, or abstract designs.
20. Memorial Hourglass
    1. Specialty companies create hourglasses containing cremated remains, offering a functional timepiece as a memorial keepsake.
21. Memorial Stuffed Animals (for Pet or Human Remains)
    1. Custom stuffed animals or teddy bears with a small compartment for cremated remains provide a huggable memorial, particularly meaningful for children grieving a loved one or pet.
22. Aerial Scattering from Aircraft
    1. Charter services scatter cremated remains from airplanes or helicopters over designated areas.
    2. Legal considerations: Federal aviation law requires ashes be removed from containers before aerial release. Must comply with local scattering regulations for the drop zone. Charter companies typically handle permitting requirements.
23. Natural or Green Burial with Cremated Remains
    1. Cremated remains can be buried in natural burial grounds using biodegradable urns, returning remains to the earth without vaults or non-degradable containers.
24. Coral or Living Stone Memorial
    1. Some services create custom memorial objects designed to encourage coral or other marine life growth when placed in approved ocean locations.
25. Memorial Ammunition
    1. For hunting and shooting enthusiasts, specialty services load cremated remains into functional shotgun shells or ammunition for a final hunting tribute.
26. Divide Among Family Members or Combine Multiple Options
    1. Many families choose to divide cremated remains for multiple purposes: scattering some at a meaningful location, keeping some at home, and transforming others into memorial keepsakes.

Parting Stone's solidified remains make sharing natural and meaningful. With 40 to 80 stones per collection, family members can each select stones that resonate with them personally. One customer described hosting a reveal party where family members gathered, shared memories, and each chose stones to take home.

"This made sharing with family and special friends easy. I look at the stones I keep on my coffee table in a way not possible with an urn, and feel great respect, connection, and comfort." - Anne from Virginia 🖤

Comparing Traditional Ashes vs. Solidified Remains

The following comparison highlights key differences to help inform your decision.

Source: Parting Stone customer research (12,000+ families, 2019-2025), Los Alamos National Laboratory environmental study, and NFDA 2024 Cremation & Burial Report.

Understanding U.S. Laws and Regulations

Before exploring your options, understanding the legal framework helps ensure your plans comply with federal and state requirements. The funeral industry operates under a patchwork of state regulations, with the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule providing baseline consumer protections. Specific rules for handling and scattering cremated remains vary significantly by state and location type.

Federal Regulations

• EPA Ocean Scattering Requirements: The Environmental Protection Agency regulates ocean scattering under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). Cremated remains must be scattered at least 3 nautical miles (approximately 3.45 miles) from shore. Only biodegradable urns may be used, or ashes must be removed from containers before scattering. Families must notify the EPA within 30 days of the scattering by submitting a burial-at-sea report.
• Federal Aviation Rules: Federal aviation law prohibits dropping objects from aircraft that could harm people or property. Cremated remains are permitted, but urns and containers must be removed before aerial scattering.
• National Parks: Most national parks allow ash scattering but require a special-use permit, often with 30-day advance notice. Scattering must occur in secluded areas away from trails, developed sections, and other visitors. Environmentally or archaeologically sensitive areas may be prohibited. Contact the park ranger's office before your visit for specific guidelines.

State-by-State Variations

State laws range from highly detailed (California) to minimal (Wyoming). The following highlights key variations across different states:

States with Strict Regulations:

• California: Permit required from county official for scattering outside cemeteries. Water scattering must occur at least 500 yards from shore. Ashes kept at home require signing a permit agreeing not to remove remains from their container. Scattering must not be visible to the public.
• Florida: No permit needed for small ceremonies, but scattering must occur beyond the reef line. Only loose flowers permitted (no leis).
• Indiana: Requires permit from local health department for scattering on private property unless done within a cemetery or established scattering garden.
• Nevada and Utah: Scattering on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands may require notification or permits due to vast desert areas.

States with Minimal Regulations:

• Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, and many others: No statewide ash scattering laws. Scattering permitted on private property with owner permission and public spaces with permission from managing agency.
• Colorado: No specific laws prohibiting scattering on public land, though obtaining permission from landowner or governing authority is advisable.
• Washington State: Ashes may be scattered over public navigable waters under state control, including Puget Sound, rivers, streams, and lakes.

Important: Always verify current requirements with your state funeral board or health department before scattering. Local counties and cities may add restrictions even where states are silent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I wait before deciding what to do with cremated remains?

There is no legal time limit for how long you can keep cremated remains before making a final decision. Many families keep remains at home for months or even years while they decide. If you have been storing cremated remains for an extended period, Parting Stone accepts remains regardless of how much time has passed since cremation.

Do I need a permit to scatter ashes?

Permit requirements depend on location. Private property typically requires only landowner permission (Indiana is an exception, requiring health department permits). National parks require special-use permits. Ocean scattering requires EPA notification within 30 days. California requires county permits for scattering outside cemeteries. Designated scattering gardens at cemeteries require no permits.

Can I scatter ashes in the ocean anywhere along the U.S. coast?

Federal EPA regulations require scattering at least 3 nautical miles from shore nationwide. California adds a 500-yard minimum from shore for state waters. Florida requires scattering beyond the reef line. Only biodegradable urns are permitted, or ashes must be removed from containers before scattering.

What happens during the solidification process?

Parting Stone's solidification process begins when families ship cremated remains using a provided collection kit. At the laboratory in Santa Fe, New Mexico, technicians remove impurities like metals and implants, then refine the remains into powder. A small amount of binder creates a clay-like material from which stones are formed. The stones are heated in a kiln, creating ceramic-like permanence. The process takes approximately 8 weeks with email updates throughout.

How much does solidification cost compared to other memorial options?

Parting Stone's solidification service costs $2,495 for human remains and $1,195 for pet remains (includes shipping both ways). This compares to memorial diamonds ($2,000-$25,000+), memorial reefs ($3,000-$7,500), and space memorials ($2,500-$12,500). Unlike most alternatives that use only a small portion of remains, solidification transforms the full amount.

Are solidified remains safe to touch and handle?

Solidified remains are completely safe and comfortable to touch and handle. The stones have a smooth, ceramic-like finish similar to natural river stones. Solidified remains will not dissolve in water, scratch easily, or deteriorate over time. Many families carry a stone in their pocket daily or place them throughout their home.

Can I scatter solidified remains the same way as traditional ashes?

Yes, solidified remains can be scattered in all the same locations as traditional cremated remains, subject to the same regulations. Solidified remains offer advantages for scattering: they will not blow away in wind, do not affect soil chemistry, and allow for more controlled placement. Research conducted with Los Alamos National Laboratory confirmed solidified remains have negligible environmental impact compared to traditional ashes.

What if I already scattered some ashes but want to solidify the rest?

Parting Stone accepts partial amounts of cremated remains. The solidification process requires a minimum of only one-quarter cup of cremated remains. Families who have already scattered, divided, or used some remains for memorial jewelry can still solidify the remaining amount.

Are there restrictions on traveling with cremated remains?

Domestic U.S. travel: TSA allows cremated remains in carry-on or checked luggage. Use containers that can be X-rayed (avoid lead or thick metal urns). International travel: Regulations vary significantly by country. Some countries require death certificates, cremation certificates, or prohibit remains entirely. Solidified remains often travel more easily across international borders as they appear similar to decorative stones.

What guarantee does Parting Stone offer?

Parting Stone offers a return-to-ash guarantee for families not satisfied with their solidified remains. If solidified remains do not meet expectations, Parting Stone can reprocess them back into an ash-like powder and return them. Based on customer surveys, 98% of families report satisfaction with their solidified remains experience.

Taking the Next Step, When You Are Ready

Deciding what to do with cremated remains is a deeply personal journey that unfolds differently for each family. Some families know immediately what feels right, while others need months or years to consider their options. Both approaches are completely valid.

If you have been storing cremated remains and feeling uncertain about next steps, know that you are among 75 million Americans navigating this same question. The discomfort many families feel around traditional ashes is real and valid. Options like solidified remains exist specifically to address these feelings and help families find meaningful ways to stay connected with their departed loved ones.

"When my loved one passed, I chose Parting Stone. The process was seamless. Having something I can hold has been healing. I carry one stone and find comfort knowing they are with me." - Anonymous from Connecticut

Whatever you decide, take the time you need. Your loved one's remains will wait for you to be ready.

About the Editor

Cathy Sanchez Babao

Cathy Sanchez Babao is a Grief Coach at Parting Stone, a grief educator, counselor, author, and columnist who has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families navigate loss. She writes the “Roots and Wings” column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and is the author of Heaven’s Butterfly and Between Loss and Forever: Filipina Mothers on the Grief Journey. Cathy holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Management from Ateneo de Manila University and an M.A. in Family Psychology and Education from Miriam College, with advanced grief training at the Center for Loss & Life Transition and the Center for Prolonged Grief at Columbia University.

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If you're considering solidified remains as a memorial option, learn more about how the process works or read stories from other families who have found comfort in this innovative approach to honoring memory.