Scattering and biodegradable urns are made for families who want to return remains to nature, whether on land, at sea, or through burial in the earth. This guide explains the options and the rules to check first.
Check the rules first
- At sea: the U.S. EPA’s general permit under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act lets cremated remains be buried at sea at least three nautical miles from land. The EPA must be notified within 30 days. Materials placed in the water must be readily decomposable. Check EPA burial at sea guidance for current requirements.
- Private land: get the owner’s permission.
- Public land and parks: rules vary. Some parks require a permit and some prohibit scattering. Contact the managing agency.
- Inland waters and local laws: state and local rules may apply. Your funeral provider can often tell you what’s required locally.
Types of urns for scattering and natural burial
- Scattering tubes and boxes: cardboard or paper containers with a controlled opening that makes pouring easier, especially outdoors.
- Water urns: made from salt, sand, paper, or plant fiber. They float briefly and then sink and dissolve.
- Earth urns: biodegradable containers for ground burial. Some are designed to hold a tree seedling or seeds.
Always check that the listed capacity will hold the full volume of remains. Use the urn size calculator if you’re not sure.
Adult cremation urn (standard size)
- Common materials
- Metal (brass, aluminum), wood, ceramic, stone, or resin
- Capacity
- Typically about 200 cubic inches; check the listed capacity
- Good for
- Keeping the remains of one adult at home, in a niche, or for burial
- Before you buy
- Measure niche openings before buying. For burial, check whether the cemetery requires an urn vault.
Companion urn
- Common materials
- Metal, wood, or stone
- Capacity
- Often about 400 cubic inches, or two separate compartments
- Good for
- Keeping the remains of two people together
- Before you buy
- Decide between a single shared space and divided compartments.
Keepsake urn
- Common materials
- Metal, glass, or ceramic
- Capacity
- Small, often a few cubic inches
- Good for
- Sharing a portion of remains among family members
- Before you buy
- Keepsakes hold only a small portion. Plan where the rest will go.
Biodegradable urn
- Common materials
- Paper, salt, sand, plant fiber, or clay
- Capacity
- Check the listed capacity for a full adult
- Good for
- Water burial or ground burial where permitted
- Before you buy
- Choose water or earth use specifically, and check local rules first.
Scattering urn or tube
- Common materials
- Cardboard or paper
- Capacity
- Sized for adult remains; confirm the capacity
- Good for
- Carrying and releasing remains at a scattering site
- Before you buy
- Look for a controlled-pour opening. Check scattering permissions.
TSA-friendly travel urn
- Common materials
- Wood, plastic, or other material that can be X-rayed
- Capacity
- Varies; confirm it fits the full volume
- Good for
- Carrying remains on a flight
- Before you buy
- Check with the airline and TSA before travelling. Dense metal urns may not pass screening.
Tips for a scattering ceremony
- Check the wind direction and scatter downwind, low to the ground or water.
- Consider keeping a small portion in a keepsake before scattering.
- Readings, music, or flower petals (where allowed) can mark the moment.
Related
- Options for scattering or keeping the ashes
- Is cremation environmentally friendly?
- Memorial products hub
Reviewed September 30, 2026. General information only. Confirm current rules with the relevant agency.