Are There Rules About Scattering Ashes?

Many times, when a person chooses cremation as their form of disposition, they want their ashes to be scattered in a particular place. This could be anywhere from a favorite vacation spot to a special place on the property where they grew up. If you are planning to scatter your loved one’s ashes after they have undergone cremation services near Adelphi, MD, there is a bit of research you should do first. That way, you can be sure that the event will go smoothly. Here are some tips to get you started on choosing a place to scatter.

To begin with, if they wanted their ashes scattered on someone’s private property, then you simply need to get permission from the owner before scattering them there. If it’s something larger, like a stadium or an amusement park, then you’d need to speak with the management to find out what their rules and regulations are when it comes to scattering there. You might have to go on a certain day of the week, or at a particular time of day when there are likely to be fewer people around.

If your intended scattering location is in a public area, such as a beach, park, forest, or golf course, you will need to speak with local authorities. There are often regulations about where you can scatter ashes in these types of places, and it is sometimes prohibited in some areas. Rather than find out the day of that you’re not permitted to scatter there, it’s better to ask ahead of time.

Most bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and ponds, must be treated the same way as public land. It’s not always allowed to scatter ashes in these places, and you’d be wise to ask someone like the DNR to find out where you can go. If your loved one wanted their ashes to be spread in the ocean, this is always legal. The only stipulation is that you must travel at least three nautical miles away from shore.

Some families choose to scatter their loved one’s ashes inside a memory garden at a cemetery. These are peaceful, natural places where a person’s ashes can be laid to rest. All you need to do is speak with the cemetery beforehand to make arrangements for scattering. At many places, you can get a plaque placed there that honors their memory, as well.

As you can see, the basic idea is that you will likely need to get permission before scattering ashes in most places. To give yourself peace of mind, it’s best to do some due diligence before making your plans. Then you won’t have to worry about something going wrong on the day you choose to scatter. You can also ask your local provider of cremation services near Adelphi, MD, for advice. They likely have had past clients with similar needs and should be able to steer you in the right direction. Then, you can move forward with your loved one’s scattering ceremony without worry and stress.