Where Can You Scatter the Ashes of Cremated Loved Ones in North Carolina?

After the death of a loved one, there come the grieving and healing processes. Everyone has a different way of how to cope with and accepting the passing of a loved one. For instance, after cremation services in Waxhaw, NC, family, and friends may choose to scatter the cremated remains, also called ashes, in the ocean, across the mountains, or somewhere equally as beautiful and special. There are many options for disposition and the scattering of remains can be cathartic to those close to the deceased (also known as a decedent), as a final goodbye.

Where should you scatter the ashes of your loved one? Well, where did they love to be in life? Were they adventurous with a natural passion for nature and mountainous terrains? Did they spend lots of time touring National Parks, loving the quiet and beauty of nature? Or did your loved one prefer to stroll the beaches, standing in the waves to overlook the vastness of the oceans? Perhaps they found the most solace at home in their own backyard.

Whatever the case may be, wherever they loved to be, scattering their ashes can be a sign of respect and peace. It’s a memorial and a celebration of life, even if there’s no actual celebration. You are paying homage to their final wishes by laying their ashes to true rest somewhere they loved, somewhere they always longed to be.

Read More: Things to Do with the Ashes

While it’s not illegal to scatter cremated remains of a loved one in North Carolina, there are a few regulations and guidelines to help families and friends navigate the safe disposition of ashes. Here are a few regulations and things to remember about where you choose to scatter your loved one’s ashes.

• You can scatter cremated remains in the oceans. However, there are Federal Clean Water Acts in place to keep the drinking and bathing waters clear and clear across North Carolina. To scatter remains off the shores of NC, you have to be 3 miles away from landmasses.
• You can scatter ashes of loved ones at National Parks, but you’d have to get permission from the state beforehand. You can submit an application online, or call the park ranger to review guidelines, express intention, and get permission.
• Instead of scattering ashes, some people prefer to bury them on their property. Which is completely okay, but the ashes have to be contained in an urn or appropriate container. It then must be buried 3 feet deep.

As for scattering ashes on private property, that’s okay too as long as the property is owned by you, or you have permission from the property owner. If you don’t know the property owner, make things legally binding with notarized written consent.

How Can Scattering a Loved One’s Ashes Be Cathartic?

When you love someone, you love seeing them happy. In this case, scattering a loved one’s ashes means spreading their cremated remains somewhere that evoked happiness and peace in them. Ergo, after cremation services, the act of scattering cremation remains could lead to those same feelings of happiness and peace from you because you’ll realize that your loved one is being laid to rest where they want to be.

You can learn more about cremation services in Waxhaw, NC. Talk to us at Heritage Funeral and Cremation Services to schedule a consultation and learn more about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in North Carolina or call one of our locations.