Understanding the Modern Cremation Process
Cremation is a method of final disposition where a body is reduced to bone fragments through intense heat (typically 1600-1800°F) in a specialized chamber called a retort. Over 54% of Americans now choose cremation over traditional burial, making it the most common end-of-life option in the United States.
What is cremation?
- A process that reduces human remains to bone fragments through high temperature
- Takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete
- Results in 4-6 pounds of cremated remains (cremains)
- Can be performed as direct cremation (no viewing/service) or after a funeral service
- Offers flexible memorialization options (scattering, urns, jewelry, etc.)
Families choose cremation for various reasons, including:
- Cost-effectiveness - Often 1/3 to 1/6 the price of traditional burial
- Environmental considerations - Uses less land than traditional burial
- Flexibility - Allows for memorialization in multiple locations
- Simplicity - Streamlined arrangements, especially with direct cremation
- Personal preference - Aligned with the deceased's wishes
The modern cremation process involves several carefully regulated steps to ensure dignity and proper identification throughout. Bodies are placed in combustible containers, processed at temperatures between 1400-1800°F, and the resulting bone fragments are processed into a fine, sand-like consistency before being returned to the family.
I'm Mortuary Cooler, a national supplier of mortuary refrigeration equipment with extensive experience supporting funeral homes that offer cremation services. Our expertise in proper body preservation prior to cremation ensures that funeral directors can maintain dignity and comply with regulations requiring refrigeration of non-embalmed bodies before the cremation process.
Easy cremation glossary:
Understanding Cremation: Definition, History & Trends
From ancient traditions to modern practice, cremation has journeyed through time, cultures, and beliefs to become the preferred choice for many families today.
What Is Cremation?
At its heart, cremation is a respectful process that transforms a loved one's physical remains into bone fragments through intense heat. Today, families can choose between two distinct methods:
Traditional flame-based cremation uses a specialized chamber called a retort, where temperatures reach 1400-1800°F, reducing the body to bone fragments over several hours.
The newer alkaline hydrolysis (sometimes called water cremation or aquamation) offers a flameless alternative that uses water, alkaline chemicals, heat, and pressure to accelerate natural decomposition.
Both processes result in what we commonly call "ashes," though they're actually pulverized bone fragments rather than ash in the conventional sense.
A Brief History of Cremation
The story of cremation stretches back roughly 17,000 years, with the earliest evidence found at Lake Mungo in Australia.
Stone Age peoples began cremating their dead around 3000 B.C. in Europe and the Near East. The practice gained popularity during the Bronze Age, spreading across the British Isles, Spain, and Portugal. Ancient Mycenaean warriors were often cremated around 1000 B.C., partly for practical sanitary reasons during wartime.
The Romans acceptd cremation wholeheartedly, storing ashes in beautifully crafted urns. However, as Christianity spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, the practice fell from favor.
The Victorian era brought a scientific revival when Professor Ludovico Brunetti unveiled the first modern cremation chamber at the 1873 Vienna Exposition. North America's first crematory opened in Washington, Pennsylvania in 1876.
Cremation Rates & Future Growth
The remarkable rise of cremation tells a story of changing attitudes:
Back in 1999, America had 1,468 crematories performing 595,617 cremations—just 25.39% of all deaths. Today, with over 3,000 crematories nationwide and more than 1.5 million cremations annually, cremation now accounts for 54.6% of all deaths in the United States.
According to National Funeral Directors Association research, cremation rates in the U.S. are projected to reach 78% by 2035.
Around the world, cremation rates vary dramatically. Japan leads with a nearly universal 99.97% cremation rate, while the United Kingdom (78.1%) and Canada (73%) show strong preferences for the practice. In contrast, countries like Romania maintain very low rates (0.5%).
At American Mortuary Coolers, we've witnessed this change firsthand, adapting our refrigeration solutions to support funeral homes as they serve the growing number of families choosing cremation.
The Cremation Process: Step-by-Step Safeguards
When a loved one chooses cremation, families often wonder what happens behind the scenes. The modern cremation process includes multiple safeguards to ensure dignity and proper identification throughout.
The journey begins shortly after death. Most states require that non-embalmed bodies be refrigerated within 8 hours—a regulation we at American Mortuary Coolers help funeral homes meet with our reliable refrigeration units.
Identification is paramount. The deceased is carefully verified through paperwork, and a durable stainless-steel identification disc remains with your loved one throughout every step.
Before the actual cremation, careful preparation takes place. The funeral director removes any medical devices that might be hazardous during cremation, such as pacemakers. The body is then placed in a dignified cremation container—typically a simple wooden or cardboard casket.
Legal requirements must be satisfied before proceeding, including completing death certificates and obtaining cremation permits. Many states require a waiting period—usually 24-48 hours.
When all is ready, the container with your loved one is placed in the cremation chamber (retort). Modern cremation chambers reach temperatures between 1400-1800°F, and over 2-3 hours, the intense heat reduces the body and container to bone fragments.
After cooling, the crematory operator carefully processes the remains. Any metal objects like dental fillings or joint replacements are removed. The remaining bone fragments are then processed in a specialized machine called a cremulator to create the consistent, sand-like texture most recognize as "ashes."
Finally, these cremated remains—still accompanied by that same identification disc—are transferred to either a permanent urn chosen by the family or a temporary container.
Direct Cremation vs Traditional Cremation
Families have two main paths when choosing cremation.
Direct cremation is the simplest approach. Your loved one is cremated shortly after death without embalming, viewing, or a pre-cremation service. This straightforward option typically costs about 20% of a traditional funeral with burial. Many appreciate the flexibility it offers—the remains are returned to the family, who can then organize a personalized memorial service on their own timeline.
Traditional cremation incorporates more familiar funeral elements. The body may be embalmed for a viewing, a casket might be rented for the service, and a formal funeral takes place before the cremation occurs.
Ensuring Identity of Remains
"How do I know I'm receiving the right remains?" This common concern is addressed through strict chain-of-custody procedures.
The stainless-steel identification disc placed with your loved one at the beginning stays with them through every step. Multiple verification checkpoints ensure nothing is overlooked. By law, only one body is cremated at a time.
Some facilities even offer witnessing options where family members can be present for the placement of their loved one into the cremation chamber.
What Cannot Be Cremated?
For safety and environmental reasons, certain items must be removed before cremation:
Pacemakers and defibrillators contain batteries that can explode at high temperatures. Radioactive implants used in some cancer treatments must be removed. While small metal items like dental fillings remain during cremation and are separated afterward, larger metal prosthetics are typically removed beforehand.
Personal items like glass objects, batteries, and certain plastics create hazards during the process.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we understand the importance of proper body preservation before cremation. Our specialized refrigeration units help funeral homes maintain dignity and regulatory compliance throughout this meaningful journey. For more detailed information about cremation chambers and the technical aspects of the process, you can visit our practical guide to cremation chambers.
Types of Cremation & Environmental Impact
When families consider cremation, they're often surprised to learn there are different methods available – each with its own environmental footprint.
Alkaline Hydrolysis ("Water Cremation")
You might have heard it called aquamation, resomation, or flameless cremation – this gentle alternative to traditional flame-based methods is gaining popularity.
In water cremation, the body rests in a stainless steel chamber filled with a solution of water and potassium hydroxide. Unlike the intense flames of traditional methods, this process uses moderate heat (around 350°F) and pressure to accelerate natural decomposition.
The process takes between 6-16 hours and uses significantly less energy – about 1/8 of what flame cremation requires. When complete, families receive similar remains: bone fragments processed into a powder-like substance.
The remaining sterile liquid simply enters the wastewater system. This method reduces a body's carbon footprint by more than 75% compared to flame cremation.
Currently, water cremation is legal in approximately 20 states, with more considering legislation. For those interested in learning more about this gentler option, you can find additional information about water cremation.
Environmental Footprint: Cremation vs Burial
When families weigh their options, environmental impact often enters the conversation.
Traditional flame cremation uses approximately 110 liters of fuel per cremation, generating about 240 kg of CO₂. The process requires around 510,000 BTU of energy, roughly equivalent to the gas used in a 500-mile car journey.
While older facilities might release mercury from dental fillings, many modern crematories now use advanced filtration systems. The biggest environmental advantage? Cremation uses minimal land resources in a world where cemetery space grows increasingly limited.
Traditional burial requires approximately one acre for every 1,000 graves, uses embalming chemicals containing formaldehyde, and involves resources for caskets and often concrete or metal burial vaults.
For the most environmentally conscious, green burial offers another alternative with minimal impact. This option skips embalming chemicals, uses only biodegradable containers, and promotes natural decomposition.
While no end-of-life option has zero impact, cremation generally requires fewer resources than traditional burial practices. For those particularly concerned about environmental footprint, water cremation or green burial may align best with their values.
For those interested in the scientific research behind funeral environmental impacts, more detailed information is available in this scientific research on funeral LCA.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we support funeral homes offering all these options by providing the proper refrigeration equipment needed before any type of cremation takes place.
Costs, Legal Requirements & Planning Ahead
Understanding the financial side of cremation can bring relief during a difficult time. One of the biggest reasons families choose cremation is the significant cost savings compared to traditional burial options.
How Much Does Cremation Cost?
Cremation typically costs between $1,000-$4,000 depending on the services you choose, while traditional burial packages often start at $9,000 and can climb much higher.
The most affordable option is direct cremation, which includes the essential services without viewing or ceremonies beforehand. For those wanting more traditional elements, you can add memorial services or even have a full funeral service before the cremation takes place.
What affects the final price? Your location plays a big role – urban areas generally have higher costs than rural communities. The funeral home or crematory you select, the type of service desired, and your choice of urn or container all influence the bottom line.
Veterans and their spouses have special benefits through Veterans Affairs, potentially qualifying for free cremation and burial in national cemeteries, complete with a headstone or marker.
Many families find peace of mind by pre-planning and pre-paying for cremation, locking in current prices and sparing loved ones from making difficult decisions during their time of grief.
Key Laws & Paperwork
Cremation involves more legal requirements than many people realize – and these rules protect both the deceased and their families.
Before a cremation can take place, you'll need a properly filed and certified death certificate. The legally authorized person must sign a cremation authorization form. Many states require a waiting period of 24-48 hours after death before cremation can proceed.
If the death was unexpected or under unusual circumstances, you'll need approval from the coroner or medical examiner. Documentation confirming the removal of pacemakers or other potentially hazardous devices is mandatory for safety reasons.
Throughout the entire process, funeral homes maintain strict identification verification at multiple checkpoints. Ohio law specifically prohibits cremating more than one body at a time without special authorization and requires proper refrigeration for non-embalmed bodies – something we at American Mortuary Coolers help funeral homes achieve with our specialized equipment.
Planning & Personalizing a Service
Today's cremation services offer endless possibilities for creating meaningful goodbyes.
Before cremation, you might choose a traditional viewing with embalming, a more informal visitation, or a religious or secular funeral service. After cremation, options include intimate memorial services, larger celebration of life events, or meaningful scattering ceremonies in special locations.
For families separated by distance, webcast memorials have become increasingly popular. We've seen beautiful themed ceremonies reflecting the deceased's passions – from gardening to motorcycles to favorite sports teams.
Memory tables with photographs and mementos, custom video tributes, and carefully selected music create personal touches that celebrate a unique life.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we've watched funeral homes adapt to the rising popularity of cremation by creating dedicated spaces specifically designed for cremation memorials. Our refrigeration equipment helps these facilities maintain dignity during the waiting period before cremation.
Memorialization Options & Common Questions
When it comes to honoring a loved one after cremation, the possibilities are truly endless. Unlike traditional burial, which typically limits memorialization to a cemetery plot, cremation opens the door to countless meaningful tributes.
Many families still find comfort in traditional approaches. A quiet niche in a columbarium provides a permanent place for visitation, while cemetery burial requires just a fraction of the space needed for a casket.
For nature lovers, cremation offers particularly meaningful options. Imagine your loved one becoming part of a favorite landscape – scattered among mountain wildflowers, beneath the waves of a cherished beach, or nurturing new life as a memorial tree grows from a biodegradable urn.
Innovation has brought remarkable new possibilities too. The Neptune Memorial Reef off Florida's coast creates an underwater memorial that doubles as a thriving marine habitat. Memorial diamonds, created from carbon extracted from remains, transform grief into wearable beauty. Parting stones solidify remains into 40-60 smooth stones that family members can share. Artists can incorporate a small amount of remains into glass creations, pottery, or paintings.
For those wanting to keep their loved one close, cremation jewelry holds a tiny portion of remains in pendants, rings, or bracelets. Miniature keepsake urns allow family members to share remains, while decorative urns can become meaningful home décor.
FAQ #1 – Can We Scatter Ashes Anywhere?
"Can we scatter Dad's ashes at his favorite fishing spot?" It's a common question, and while cremation does offer flexibility, there are some guidelines to follow.
Public lands have varying rules – national parks require permits, while state parks each have their own regulations. If you're considering private property, always get permission from the landowner first.
Water scatterings have their own considerations. Ocean scatterings must take place at least three nautical miles from shore, and the EPA requires notification within 30 days. Lakes and rivers often have local regulations worth checking before planning your ceremony.
Planning an international scattering? Each country has different laws about importing and scattering remains, so research well in advance.
Many families choose to keep a small portion of remains in a keepsake urn or jewelry piece even after scattering the majority.
FAQ #2 – What Are Ashes Made Of & How Much?
Despite being called "ashes," cremation remains aren't actually ash in the traditional sense. They're primarily composed of calcium phosphates and minor minerals from bone.
The result is a coarse, grayish-white material with a sand-like texture. For adults, these remains typically weigh between 4-6 pounds and occupy about 130-200 cubic inches of space – roughly the size of a shoebox.
Families can rest assured that cremated remains pose no health hazard and are completely sterile.
FAQ #3 – Do All Religions Accept Cremation?
Faith and tradition often guide end-of-life decisions, and religious views on cremation vary widely.
For Hindus, cremation isn't just accepted – it's generally mandated as the way to free the soul from the body. Similarly, Buddhists traditionally practice cremation, following Buddha's example.
Christianity's stance has evolved significantly. Roman Catholicism has permitted cremation since 1963, though burial remains preferred. Most Protestant denominations have accepted cremation as an acceptable option.
Within Judaism, perspectives differ by branch. Orthodox and Conservative traditions typically prohibit cremation, while Reform Judaism has generally accepted the practice. Islam maintains a prohibition on cremation, considering burial the only proper method.
Many faiths that once prohibited cremation have relaxed their positions in recent decades. If religious considerations are important to your family, consulting with your spiritual leader can provide guidance specific to your tradition.
More info about urns vs vaults
Conclusion
When it comes to honoring our loved ones, cremation has become a meaningful choice for many American families. This time-honored practice offers a beautiful blend of tradition, practicality, and personalization that resonates with our modern values.
Over 54% of Americans now choose cremation, making it the most common end-of-life option in our country. This shift reflects our changing priorities: the desire for flexibility, environmental mindfulness, and sometimes, simpler arrangements that focus on celebration rather than ceremony.
What's particularly reassuring about modern cremation is the careful attention to dignity and detail. From the moment your loved one enters the care of a funeral home, multiple identification safeguards ensure they're treated with respect throughout their journey.
For environmentally conscious families, alternative methods like alkaline hydrolysis offer a gentler footprint while providing the same dignified care. These innovations show how the funeral industry continues to evolve with our changing values.
Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of cremation is the freedom it gives families to memorialize their loved ones in deeply personal ways. From scattering ashes in a beloved fishing spot to changing remains into memorial diamonds or glass art, the possibilities reflect the unique lives they commemorate.
For many families, the practical benefits matter too. Cremation typically costs significantly less than traditional burial, though prices vary depending on the services you choose.
It's also worth noting how religious perspectives have evolved. Many faiths that once prohibited cremation have accepted it as a respectful option, though traditions still vary widely.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we're honored to play a supporting role in this important work. Our Tennessee-based team crafts custom mortuary refrigeration systems that help funeral homes maintain dignity during the waiting period before cremation. We deliver our durable, custom solutions directly to funeral homes across the contiguous 48 states, from our home in Johnson City to funeral professionals nationwide.
Whether you're a family exploring options or a funeral professional serving families, we hope this guide has illuminated the cremation journey. For more information about proper body preservation before cremation, our resources on funeral home refrigeration units offer additional insights.
Making end-of-life decisions is one of the most profound ways we honor those we love. By understanding cremation more fully, you can make choices that truly reflect personal values, honor cultural traditions, and address practical needs – creating a meaningful farewell that celebrates a life well-lived.