Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find answers to our most frequently asked questions. Use the buttons below to navigate to different topics. If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us! A member of our staff will get back to you as soon as possible.
Click here for detailed assembly and handling instructions for applicable products.
Scattering Tubes
Caskets & Shrouds
Biodegradable Urns
State Funeral Laws
Bookmarks & Cards
Shipping & Delivery
Scattering Tubes
Scattering Tubes
Should the cremated remains be placed into a plastic bag before loading the Scattering Tube?
No. A bag should not be used with the Scattering Tubes.
What should families do with the Scattering Tube after they have scattered the remains of a loved one?
The Scattering Tubes are produced from recycled materials and can be recycled after use. They can also be kept indefinitely by families if they wish.
Does my Scattering Tube come with a GeoTag Code?
Yes, every Passages International Scattering Tube comes with a unique GeoTag code to create a Memorial and add a Pin to our Memorial Map, free of charge. The code will be beneath the barcode on the bottom of the Scattering Tube, and begins in "GEO-".
To view the Memorial Map, visit www.passagesinternational.com/memorial-map.
Can I personalize a Scattering Tube?
Yes. Passages is able to print a photograph of the deceased onto the top of a Scattering Tube. In addition to the photograph, we can also personalize the top with the name of the deceased, date of birth and date of death or a short personalized message. We also offer engraving on the side of Scattering Tubes, which can be combined with clip art and the photograph on top of the tube.
How do I go about getting personalization on a Scattering Tube?
Passages provides personalization and engraving links on our website where funeral directors can provide the information and upload the photograph needed to personalize the tube. Once we receive the form, we will produce a proof for your approval. This is all done electronically via email.
How long does it take to do the personalization on a Scattering Tube?
If we have approved artwork by 2pm MST, we can produce the tube and ship it the same day. Shipping charges are not included.
Caskets & Shrouds
Eco-Friendly Caskets
How Do I Assemble a Flat-Packed Casket, like the 4-Point Bamboo Casket or Simple Bamboo Container, or properly shroud a body?
We've created detailed instructions for assembly:
Click here for assembly instructions for the 4-Point Bamboo Casket.
Click here for assembly instructions for the Simple Bamboo Container.
Click here for assembly instructions for the 6-Point Bamboo Coffin.
Click here for the handing instructions for all of these products.
Click here for shrouding instructions.
Do the bamboo caskets come with a privacy shield?
No. The weave of this casket is such that visual access to the casket is limited by the construction of the casket.
What is the purpose of the privacy shield?
Since the willow and seagrass caskets are essentially woven baskets, the fabric privacy shield prevents visual access to the interior of the casket.
Do the caskets seal?
The caskets do not seal but will securely contain the body of the deceased. The lining of each casket features a leak-resistant interior lining that will temporarily contain any minor leakage of fluids. The bamboo casket includes a biodegradable eco-friendly plastic lining that will temporarily contain any minor leakage of fluids. This lining will break down in the ground when the casket is buried.
How long will it take the caskets to biodegrade in the earth?
This depends on the type of soil and the depth at which the casket is buried. Generally if the casket is buried in a relatively shallow grave with healthy (not too dry or too moist) earth it will break down in 12 to 24 months.
How strong are the caskets?
These caskets are extremely durable. They are weight tested to 350 lbs and feature paulownia wood bases and rope handles that support the entire weight of the body and casket. Remember that many furniture items are produced from wicker (willow), and hot air balloon baskets are also made from willow. Bamboo is also extremely tough and durable: in Asia it’s used in scaffolding for the construction of large multi-story buildings.
Do the caskets have any metal or plastic components?
No. No plastic or metal components are used in the construction of any Passages burial or cremation containers.
Biodegradable Urns
Biodegradable Urns
Does my Biodegradable Urn come with a GeoTag Code?
Most likely! Almost all of our Biodegradable Urns include a unique GeoTag code to create a Memorial and add a Pin to our Memorial Map, free of charge. The code will be beneath the barcode affixed to the urn itself or to the box it came with, and begins in "GEO-".
To view the Memorial Map, visit www.passagesinternational.com/memorial-map.
Why does my Shell or Memento urn look different than the picture in the catalog/on my screen?
Many of our products are made by hand and will vary in appearance. Some are painted in small batches, sometimes with hand-mixed paint colors. Photographs of our products can vary in color due to whether the photograph was taken outdoors (in natural light) or in a studio environment, the background, the screen or device it is being viewed on, or color shifts in the printed catalog.
How long will water burial urns take to sink?
In tests it has been found that water biodegradable urns will sink between three and five minutes after being placed in the water. The time it takes for the urn to sink may vary significantly depending in local weather and water conditions and the weight of the cremated remains.
How long will the urn take to break down in water?
Within 24 hours of being placed in the water, the Journey Earthurns and Shell Deep Water Bio Urns will not be recognizable. Depending on local water conditions it can take between 30 and 90 days to completely degrade. Please note that these are organic products that biodegrade naturally over time.
How long will the urn take to break down when buried in the ground?
It can take several months depending on local conditions. Generally the more moisture in the soil, the quicker the urn will biodegrade.
Can I travel with the urn?
Yes. All of Passages urns are very durable and travel well. Since the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has implemented procedures that require urns that are to be carried into the cabin of a commercial aircraft to be x-rayed by security screeners. If security screeners are unable to view the contents of the urn during the x-ray process, the urn must be checked as baggage. To avoid uncomfortable situations, all of Passages International’s urns are constructed to clearly allow security screeners to view the contents of the urn. That said, the TSA can change its rules and regulations at any time.
Can I ship the urn?
We do not recommend shipping any of our products unless they are still in their original packaging as we sent them. In most cases carriers will not accept products containing cremated remains unless they are in a carrier-approved container, so if an urn must be shipped we recommend shipping the urn separately from the remains if possible. While our urns are very durable, shipping anything as an individual can result in damage.
What is included with each urn?
Included with each urn is a biodegradable plastic bag and tie. These bags are NOT packed inside the urn, rather they can be located in the box that the urns are shipped in. (Occasionally the bags will fall to the bottom of the box during shipping) The bags are EPA approved and will dissolve in 60 seconds when placed in warm or cold water.
Will the urn biodegrade before I have time to bury or scatter?
No. Passages biodegradable urns are engineered to be durable and will not begin to biodegrade until they are placed in “the elements” (earth or water). This allows families to wait until they are ready to scatter or bury the cremated remains.
How do you close the Shell Urn?
To close the urn, squeeze a bead of biodegradable glue (comes with the urn) around the edge of the opening and place the lid in the opening. Apply light pressure for two to three minutes or until the glue is dry. Wipe away any excess glue with a clean, damp cloth.
How do you place the Memento or Shell urn into water?
For water burial, place the urn onto the water surface with the top facing up (top has fewer holes). The Urns are designed and engineered to briefly float and gracefully sink.
How do I Assemble the Economy Pillow Urn?
Click here for detailed instructions on assembling the Economy Pillow urn.
State Funeral Laws
Green Burial / Scattering Laws by State
Alabama
- Abbreviation
- AL
- Local Law
- No state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. Location must be filed with county recorder's office
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refridgerated if final disposition does not occur within 24h, or embalmed if transported (eg. by plane)
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, but only licensed funeral directors may sell caskets. Still, federal law requires funeral homes to accept a casket provided by the family
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Alaska
- Abbreviation
- AK
- Local Law
- No state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. Location must be filed with county recorder's office
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refridgerated if final disposition does not occur within 24h, or embalmed if transported (eg. by plane)
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Arizona
- Abbreviation
- AZ
- Local Law
- No state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. Location must be filed with county recorder's office
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refridgerated if final disposition does not occur within 24h, or embalmed if transported (eg. by plane)
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Arkansas
- Abbreviation
- AR
- Local Law
- No state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Must have written permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Must be buried in established cemeteries. If burying on private land, check with governing agency to find out whether you can establish a family cemetery. May be possible in rural areas
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refridgerated if final disposition does not occur within 24h, or embalmed if transported (eg. by plane)
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
California
- Abbreviation
- CA
- Local Law
- California's laws are the strictest in the nation. If kept at home, you must sign a permit and agree not to remove the remains from their container. You may scatter at a religious structure, cemetery scattering garden, or any area that has no local prohibition, with written permission from the property owner or governing agency. Must not be visible to the public.
- Private Land
- Must have written permission from landowner
- Public Land
- Must have written permission of governing agency
- Water Burial Law
- Must be 500 yards from shore at sea or navigable waters. May not be scattered in lakes or streams
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Must be buried in established cemeteries. If burying on private land, check with governing agency to find out whether you can establish a family cemetery. May be possible in rural areas
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refridgerated if final disposition does not occur within 24h, or embalmed if transported (eg. by plane)
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Colorado
- Abbreviation
- CO
- Local Law
- No state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. Location must be filed with county recorder's office within 30 days
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refridgerated if final disposition does not occur within 24h, or embalmed if transported (eg. by plane)
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Connecticut
- Abbreviation
- CT
- Local Law
- No state laws, but upon cremation the cremation permit must state the intended destination of the remains. Use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. Location must be filed with county recorder's office and burial must be supervised by a licensed funeral director with a permit from the town where the body will be buried
- Embalming Required?
- Required only if the person died of a contagious disease
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Delaware
- Abbreviation
- DE
- Local Law
- No state laws. Must be "disposed of in such a way as is desired by the person receiving them"
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Must be buried in established cemeteries. If burying on private land, check with governing agency to find out whether you can establish a family cemetery. Top of casket must be 18 inches from the surface at minimum, or 79 inches if the person died of an infectious disease.
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed, refridgerated, or placed in a hermetically sealed casket if final disposition does not occur within 24h, or embalmed if transported (eg. by plane)
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, but only licensed funeral directors may sell caskets. Still, federal law requires funeral homes to accept a casket provided by the family
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Florida
- Abbreviation
- FL
- Local Law
- No state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. Location must be filed with county recorder's office within 30 days, and burial rights in the area must not be offered for sale.
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refridgerated if final disposition does not occur within 24h, or embalmed if transported (eg. by plane)
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Georgia
- Abbreviation
- GA
- Local Law
- No state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Must be at least 3 nautical miles from land, and must be removed from container before scattering. May not be scattered at beaches or wading pools, and EPA must be notified within 30 days
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm.
- Embalming Required?
- No laws in Georgia requiring embalming, refridgeration may be used as well
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Hawaii
- Abbreviation
- HI
- Local Law
- No state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- No permit needed, as long as the ceremony will not involve a large crowd and number of vessels. Must be scattered beyond the reef line, and if flowers are used they must be loose (no leis). Federal law states remains must be scattered 3 nautical miles from shore.
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Bodies must be buried on land approved as a cemetery
- Embalming Required?
- Body must be embalmed, buried, or cremated within 30 hours after death.
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require. A casket is required for transportation
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Idaho
- Abbreviation
- ID
- Local Law
- No state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. Person having possession of the body must write a report to serve as a permit to transport, bury, or entomb the body
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refridgerated if final disposition does not occur within 24h, or embalmed if transported (eg. by plane)
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, but only licensed funeral directors may sell caskets. Still, federal law requires funeral homes to accept a casket provided by the family
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Illinois
- Abbreviation
- IL
- Local Law
- No state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- There are no laws requiring embalming in Illinois
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Indiana
- Abbreviation
- IN
- Local Law
- Remains must be kept, placed in a grave, niche, or crypt, scattered in a designated scattering area, or on the property of a consenting owner. A form documenting the disposition must be filed to county recorder within 10 days
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Must be buried in an established cemetery "within a resonable time after death". You may be able to establish a family cemetery if you wish to bury on private land.
- Embalming Required?
- There are no laws requiring embalming in Indiana
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Iowa
- Abbreviation
- IA
- Local Law
- The law prohibits you from scattering ashes on public or private property without permission
- Private Land
- Must have permission of landowner
- Public Land
- Must have permission from local governing body
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Required if the death was due to a communicable disease and the body is not cremated within 48 hours after death. Also required if final disposition takes place after 3 days, or 6 days if the body is refrigerated
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Kansas
- Abbreviation
- KS
- Local Law
- No state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed, refridgerated, or placed in a hermetically sealed casket if final disposition does not occur within 24h, or embalmed if transported (eg. by plane). Must be embalmed if death was due to certain communicable diseases and final disposition does not occur within 24 hours, or if the body will be interred in a mausoleum.
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Kentucky
- Abbreviation
- KY
- Local Law
- No state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Must have permission of landowner
- Public Land
- Technically, you may not scatter on public land
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- There are no laws requiring embalming in Kentucky
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Louisiana
- Abbreviation
- LA
- Local Law
- No state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refridgerated if final disposition does not occur within 30h, or embalmed if transported (eg. by plane)
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, but only licensed funeral directors may sell caskets. Still, federal law requires funeral homes to accept a casket provided by the family
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Maine
- Abbreviation
- ME
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries. If burying on private property, you must record a family burial ground of up to one quarter acre in the registry of deeds of the county where the body is buried. You must enclose the family burial ground with a fence or otherwise make it clear where the graveyard is situated. Access to the graveyard remains even if the property is sold.
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed if the body will be shipped by common carrier, such as airplane or train
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, but only licensed funeral directors may sell caskets. Still, federal law requires funeral homes to accept a casket provided by the family
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Maryland
- Abbreviation
- MD
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Must be buried in an established cemetery or in a family burial plot or area allowed by local ordinance. Check with your county health department.
- Embalming Required?
- There are no laws requiring embalming in Maryland
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Massachusetts
- Abbreviation
- MA
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm.
- Embalming Required?
- There are no laws requiring embalming in Massachusetts
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Michigan
- Abbreviation
- MI
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries. A private burial ground must be created, surveyed, and recorded by the county clerk if you wish to bury on private land
- Embalming Required?
- Required if the body is not buried or cremated with 48 hours, for transporation purposes, or if the death was due to rare, communicable diseases
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Minnesota
- Abbreviation
- MN
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries. A private burial ground must be created, surveyed, and recorded by the county clerk if you wish to bury on private land
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refridgerated if final disposition does not occur within 72h, if the body is infected with a communicable disease, if it will be viewed publicly (by people besides family), or embalmed if transported (eg. by plane)
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Mississippi
- Abbreviation
- MS
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries. A private burial ground must be created, surveyed, and recorded by the county clerk if you wish to bury on private land
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refridgerated if final disposition does not occur within 48h, or if transported further than 24 hours (eg. by plane)
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Missouri
- Abbreviation
- MO
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries. A private burial ground must be created, surveyed, and recorded by the county clerk if you wish to bury on private land
- Embalming Required?
- Required if death was due to an infections disease and body will not be buried or cremated within 24 hours, or if the body will be shipped for longer than 24h.
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Montana
- Abbreviation
- MT
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries. A private burial ground must be created, surveyed, and recorded by the county clerk if you wish to bury on private land
- Embalming Required?
- Required if the body will be transported by common carrier and will be en route more than 8h, or transport occurs more than 36h after time of death
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Nebraska
- Abbreviation
- NE
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries. A private burial ground must be created, surveyed, and recorded by the county clerk if you wish to bury on private land
- Embalming Required?
- Required if death was due to an infections disease, if the body will be shipped by common carrier, or if final disposition will not occur within 24h (unless refrigerated, allowed up to 72h)
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Nevada
- Abbreviation
- NV
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries. A private burial ground must be created, surveyed, and recorded by the county clerk if you wish to bury on private land
- Embalming Required?
- Required if death was due to an infections disease,or if the body will be ransportedin any way. Otherwise, required after 72 hours
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
New Hampshire
- Abbreviation
- NH
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries. A private burial ground must be created, surveyed, and recorded by the county clerk if you wish to bury on private land
- Embalming Required?
- Required of the body will be "exposed to the public" for more than 24 hours
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
New Jersey
- Abbreviation
- NJ
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Required if the body will be shipped by common carrier and will not arrive within 24 hours
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
New Mexico
- Abbreviation
- NM
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refrigerated only if final disposition does not occur within 24h
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
New York
- Abbreviation
- NY
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- There are no laws requiring embalming in New York
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
North Carolina
- Abbreviation
- NC
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Must have written permission from landowner
- Public Land
- It is allowed to scatter on "uninhabited public land"
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal, remains must be removed from their container before scattering
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- There are no laws requiring embalming in North Carolina
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
North Dakota
- Abbreviation
- ND
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refrigerated if the body will be transported but will not reach its final destination within 48 hours. Embalming is required if the body will not reach its destination in 72 hours, or if death was due to a communicable disease
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Ohio
- Abbreviation
- OH
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- There are no laws requiring embalming in Ohio
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Oklahoma
- Abbreviation
- OK
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refrigerated if final disposition will not occur within 24 hours
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Oregon
- Abbreviation
- OR
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refrigerated if final disposition will not occur within 24 hours. Embalming is required if the body will be shipped after 24h and will not reach its destination within 6h, if the death was due to a communicable disease, or if there will be a public viewing more than 6h after body is removed from refrigeration
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Pennsylvania
- Abbreviation
- PA
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refrigerated if final disposition will not occur within 24 hours. Must be embalmed if death was due to a noncontagious disease and will be shipped by common carrier and will not reach its destination in 24h
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Rhode Island
- Abbreviation
- RI
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refrigerated within 48 hours of death. Must be embalmed if the body will be shipped by common carrier
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
South Carolina
- Abbreviation
- SC
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- There are no laws requiring embalming in South Carolina
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
South Dakota
- Abbreviation
- SD
- Local Law
- Remains must be reduced to a particle size of one-eighth of an inch or less. You must file a statement with the registrar of births and deaths for scattering on private land or over a public waterway
- Private Land
- Must provide the crematory with a legal description of the property and written consent from property owner
- Public Land
- Must file a statement with the registrar of births and deaths if over a public waterway
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal, remains must be removed from their container before scattering
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Required if final disposition will not occur within 24 hours after death
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Tennessee
- Abbreviation
- TN
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- There are no laws requiring embalming in Tennessee
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Texas
- Abbreviation
- TX
- Local Law
- Allowed over “uninhabited public land, over a public waterway or sea, or on the private property of a consenting owner.” Unless the container is biodegradable, you must remove the ashes from the container before scattering.
- Private Land
- Must have permission of landowner
- Public Land
- Allowed over “uninhabited public land, over a public waterway or sea, or on the private property of a consenting owner.” Unless the container is biodegradable, you must remove the ashes from the container before scattering.
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refrigerated if final disposition does not occur within 24 hours, or must be embalmed within 24 hours if nobody steps forward to take responsibility for the body
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Utah
- Abbreviation
- UT
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Required if final disposition will not occur within 24 hours after death, or if the body will be shipped by common carrier
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Vermont
- Abbreviation
- VT
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- There are no laws requiring embalming in Vermont
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Virginia
- Abbreviation
- VA
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refrigerated if burial or cremation will not occur within 48 hours. A body may not be embalmed without permission from next of kin or a court order
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Washington
- Abbreviation
- WA
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal. Washington State states that ashes may be scattered over "public navigable waters under state control, including Puget Sound, rivers streams, and lakes"
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Must be buried in established cemeteries, and all cemeteries must be run by corporations. You may only bury on private property if you can establish a cemetery
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refrigerated until burial or cremation will occur. A body may not be embalmed without permission from next of kin or a court order
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
West Virginia
- Abbreviation
- WV
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- There are no laws requiring embalming in West Virginia
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Wisconsin
- Abbreviation
- WI
- Local Law
- Remains must have been reduced to a particle size of one-eighth of an inch or less.
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- There are no laws requiring embalming in Wisconsin
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- No
- For More Information:
Wyoming
- Abbreviation
- WY
- Local Law
- No strict state laws, but use common sense in choosing a location
- Private Land
- Should have permission from landowner
- Public Land
- You may check municipal and borough regulations, but most simply use their best judgement
- Water Burial Law
- Follow Federal
- Where Can a Body be Buried?
- Mostly buried in established cemeteries, but no laws prohibiting burial on private property. Check your city zoning rules to confirm. A map of the property should be drawn showing the burial ground and filed with the property deed.
- Embalming Required?
- Must be embalmed or refrigerated, or buried or cremated, within 36h of death. Must be embalmed if the death was due to a communicable disease and the body will be shipped out of state
- Casket Required for Burial?
- No, but cemetery may require
- Casket Required for Cremation?
- A container is often required, but an alternative container is allowed
- Do I need to buy a casket from the FH?
- No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets provided by the family.
- Alkaline Hydrolosis Allowed?
- Yes
- For More Information:
Federal At-Sea Law
- You may not place human remains in ocean waters within three nautical miles from shore (the ordinary low water mark or closing line drawn on a nautical chart across the openings of bays and rivers. You may not place non-human remains in the sea (such as pet remains). You may not place materials which are not readily decomposable in the marine environment, such as plastic or metal flowers and wreaths, tombs, tombstones, gravestones, monuments, mausoleums, artificial reefs, etc.
- For More Information:
Bookmarks & Cards
Blooming Ornaments, Bookmarks & Mini Cards
Can the bookmarks and mini cards be printed in color?
Upon special request we are able to print the bookmarks and mini cards in color. Please note that the pricing on all our price sheets is for black and white prints only.
Can both sides of the bookmarks and mini cards be personalized?
Due to size constraints, typically only the front of the cards and bookmarks can be personalized. If you want the back personalized as well, please call us.
How do we know the Ornaments and Remembrances will bloom?
Passages purchases high-quality seeds that are routinely tested. In these tests, germination rates of over 85% have been recorded. However, these products are natural and there are no guarantees that flowers will bloom from individual ornaments. There are many factors that determine whether a seed germinates. An ornament may not grow because it is not watered consistently or effectively, is not exposed to enough light, or is not placed in a temperate environment.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping & Delivery
How will my order be shipped?
Order fulfillment and processing takes place from both our Albuquerque, New Mexico warehouse as well as our Somerset, New Jersey warehouse. It is our goal to ship within 24 hours of order placement, although most orders will ship the same day. We typically ship using UPS, although FedEx and USPS may be available upon request.
For retail orders, we offer free UPS Surepost Shipping. However, this service is delivered through the US Post Office, and transit times are not guaranteed. Additional shipping options are available, up to and including UPS Next Day Air, but charges will apply.
Discounted shipping rates available to Passages International are passed directly to our customers.
Once orders are fulfilled, the tracking numbers will be sent to the email provided and will be available in your online account.
UPS shares our passion for environmental responsibility and, just like Passages, is taking steps to minimize its carbon footprint. We ship all UPS packages through their Carbon Neutral Shipping program. With this program, UPS is saving hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel and eliminating thousands of tons of carbon emissions per month, while putting funds towards further reducing carbon emissions. To learn more, click here.
Orders placed by 3pm MST will ship the same day. Online orders must be received by 2pm for same day shipping (Some exceptions may apply.)
How much does shipping cost?
Most urn orders that are shipped via UPS Ground start at roughly $15 per package. Overnight shipping can cost in excess of $100 depending on the product and where it is being shipped to. Standard delivery (4-5 business days) is included on all adult caskets (not including discounted caskets). Expedited casket delivery is available for an additional fee (usually $125 for two day shipping to many locations).
For retail orders, we offer free UPS Surepost Shipping. However, this service is delivered through the US Post Office, and transit times are not guaranteed. Additional shipping options are available, up to and including UPS Next Day Air, but charges will apply.
Can I pick up my order directly from the Passages warehouse?
Yes, customers in New Mexico, New Jersey, or nearby states are welcome to pick up their order if they prefer, free of charge. Same-day pickup orders must be placed by noon (12:00) in the time zone of the warehouse they will be picked up from, otherwise orders will be ready for pickup by noon the following day. Pickup hours are from 8am-12pm, and 1pm-4pm Monday through Friday.
What if I want to use FedEx?
If FedEx shipping is important to you, we can provide you with FedEx shipping services (or any other) on a case by case basis. The cut-off time for orders needing to ship via FedEx the same day, is 2pm MST. In addition, anything that we ship for you via FedEx will ship on your FedEx account and will be subject to a FedEx imposed pick up fee. This FedEx pick up fee will appear on your FedEx bill.
What is your return policy?
We stand behind the quality of our products. If you are not happy with an item for any reason, please return it to us within 30 days. Please ensure it is in its original condition and packaging, and we will work with you to make it right.
If there are quality issues or the product was damaged in shipping, please contact us through the link below. Please include detailed information and photos if possible.
Retail customers may request a replacement, credit, or a full refund. Wholesale customers will be offered a replacement or credit to their account.
Once the item is received back in the original condition, a credit or refund will be issued.
Please click here to begin the return process.
What if my package is damaged?
Although damage is exceptionally rare, it is VERY important that you inspect the overall condition of your packages BEFORE signing for your freight shipment. Failure to note shipping damage may delay or prevent us from shipping replacement parts/items.
- If any of the packages appear torn, damaged, crushed, or if you’re concerned about the condition of any item, please open the affected carton(s) and inspect for damage.
- Refuse any damaged boxes and accept the remainder of your order.
- Note which item and the number of boxes that are damaged or are being refused on the driver’s paperwork.
- If the entire shipment is damaged, refuse the shipment and write “DAMAGED – REFUSED” on the delivery receipt.
- Contact us immediately at (505) 830-2500 to report the incident.
Can I ship Passages urns via US Mail, FedEx or UPS?
Passages urns can be shipped again after receipt, but should be shipped empty. Several of our urns can be damaged during shipping, especially if they are shipped with cremated remains loaded into them or if they are not packaged correctly and in their original packaging. Check with local shipping representatives about regulations prior to shipping cremated remains to ensure that you are familiar and complying with any requirements.