2023 State Guide to Scattering Ashes - Connecticut Edition
How much does cremation cost in Connecticut: $3,150
This twenty-fourth edition of state guides to scattering ashes focuses on the state of Connecticut. This beautiful state is home to lovely rolling green hills, meandering streams, breathtaking fall foliage, and a stunning shoreline.
With the growing number of people choosing to be cremated, funeral directors in Connecticut and surrounding states are asked frequent questions from families about scattering ashes. Some of the most common ones received include, whether or not scattering is permitted, where in Connecticut can it be done, and what kind of urn or other container is recommended to scatter ashes? In this edition of our state guides, we provide important information related to storing and scattering ashes in the state of Connecticut and help answer common questions.
Regulations in Connecticut for Storing and Scattering Ashes
There are no state laws in Connecticut that prevent people from storing or scattering ashes. However, a law that’s unique to Connecticut is that when a body is cremated, the family needs to include the intended destination of the ashes on the cremation permit.
In Connecticut, ashes can be stored in a grave, niche, crypt, or an urn or other container of the family’s choosing. The resulting ashes from cremation are harmless and pose no health risks.
Where are the Best Places to Scatter Ashes in Connecticut?
Many families in Connecticut will scatter the ashes of a loved one (or pet) at place that has special meaning to them or their family, or at another beautiful location outdoors. In addition, many people in Connecticut choose to have a service with the scattering. The service can be as formal or informal as the family wants and typically occurs before, during, or after the scattering is performed. A service or ceremony with the scattering can be a great time to gather family and friends and honor a loved one who passed.
There are virtually endless places in Connecticut where ashes can be scattered. Below we highlight some of the more popular locations.
- Scattering Gardens – With the increased interest in cremation, many churches and cemeteries in Connecticut now have areas designated for scattering ashes (commonly referred to as a ‘scattering garden’). You can most likely find multiple scattering garden options in your area with a quick internet search.
- Water Burial – With Connecticut’s 618 miles of shoreline, scattering a loved one’s ashes in the water is a popular option. Many boating companies throughout the Northeast provide scattering at sea services and with a quick online search you can typically find one or more options near you. Before performing a water burial, note that the U.S. Federal Clean Water Act states that ashes must be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore. Also, the Environmental Protection Agency needs to be notified within 30 days of doing a water burial.
- Private Property – In Connecticut, and most other states, no state laws exist that restrict you from scattering a loved one’s ashes in your yard or on other property you own. If you want to scatter ashes on private property owned by somebody else, be sure to get their written permission first.
- Public Land – There are no state-wide restrictions in Connecticut related to scattering ashes on public land. However, it’s always a good idea to check with city or county government offices where you plan on scattering to make sure no rules or regulations exist at a local level.
- National Parks – National Parks are popular places where many people choose to scatter ashes. Many of our National Parks allow scattering, however each location has its own rules and regulations related to scattering. Therefore, be sure to contact the park ranger’s office at the park where you prefer to scatter to find out if you’re able to scatter there, and what rules need to be followed. Also, some parks require permits, which can take weeks and even months to obtain, so be sure to plan ahead.
- From the Sky – In Connecticut, along with most other states, there are no state laws restricting people from scattering a loved one’s ashes from an airplane. However, make sure that the urn or container used to scatter is held on to - federal aviation law prohibits dropping objects from the sky that can cause damage to people or property.
How Can You Scatter Ashes in Connecticut?
With the growing amount of people choosing cremation and electing to have their ashes scattered, a number of new and uplifting urns and memorials have recently been introduced. This includes urns that are specifically designed to scatter and below we highlight some of the more popular urns used for scattering ashes in Connecticut.
Eco Water Urn
The patent pending Eco Water Urn was introduced last year and has quickly become a leading choice of families looking to do a water burial with the ashes of their loved one. This unique biodegradable urn floats upright on the water like a buoy for up to a few minutes, then dissolves and the ashes are gracefully spread in the water. The Eco Water Urn is shipped in an attractive bamboo case, which can be engraved with your loved one’s name, an image, and other personal information. This unique casing also serves to protect the urn holding a loved one’s ashes while traveling to that special place on the water to scatter.
Eco Scattering Urn
The patented Eco Scattering Urn is a leading new biodegradable scattering urn offered by thousands of funeral homes nationwide. The urn is made from bamboo, a sustainable and fast-growing plant. In addition, its unique long tube-like shape helps people scatter the ashes away from their body. The Eco Scattering Urn has a special locking mechanism on top of the urn - this gives families the ability to easily scatter with control and also helps securely transport the ashes in the urn without having them spill out.
The Flow Ice Urn
Flow, the Ice Urn is a highly unique, patented urn option that was developed by a world-renowned designer and has received multiple prestigious design awards in Europe. The ice urn is made only from ice, arguably making it the most eco-friendly urn available. It floats beautifully on top of the water until it melts and the ashes are gracefully dispersed. Flow, the Ice Urn will be offered by funeral homes in Connecticut later this year.
Paper Scattering Urns
There are a number of scattering urns available manufactured from paper. These usually have a nature scene printed on the outside of the urn, and similar to the bamboo Eco Scattering Urn, they’re shaped like a long tube to help people scatter ashes away from their body. These urns come in multiple sizes and are a relatively affordable option for most families.
Multiple Memorials for Your Loved One
As more and more people continue to choose cremation over burial (due to a much lower cost of cremation, among many other reasons), many new and uplifting memorial options continue to be introduced. With so many great new options, many people find it to be a challenge to select a single memorial to honor a loved one, and instead, choose to separate their ashes into multiple memorials. This can include scattering a portion of their loved one’s ashes at a special place and then using their remaining ashes to grow a tree memorial with The Living Urn’s bio urn, with a Living Urn indoors and a bonsai tree or houseplant, or including the ashes in a colorful glass decoration, a piece of cremation jewelry that can be worn with pride, or a beautiful diamond, among many other options.