2023 State Guide to Scattering Ashes - Ohio Edition
How much does cremation cost in Ohio: $2,045
This ninth edition of state guides to scattering ashes focuses on Ohio. From its amazing rocky caves and waterfalls to its thriving cities, the Buckeye state has something of everything! Funeral homes in Ohio and in other states are frequently asked various questions related to scattering the ashes of a person or pet. In this state guide we provide informative information related to storing and scattering ashes in Ohio to help families be educated on how to scatter a loved one’s ashes in a legal and dignified way.
Regulations in Ohio for Scattering Ashes
Ohio has no state laws that prohibit you from storing or scattering a person or pet’s ashes, however, it’s always a good idea to check if there are any local county or city regulations in place before scattering. As for storing ashes, this can legally be done in a grave, crypt, urn, or other container of a family’s choosing. The cremation process makes ashes harmless and there are no health risks associated with them.
Where Can I Scatter Ashes in Ohio?
Many people will choose to scatter the ashes of a loved one or pet at a place that has special meaning to them, or another beautiful outdoor location. In addition, services, or scattering ceremonies, are becoming more and more common. The ceremony can be held before, during, or after the ashes are scattered and can be a great time to gather family and friends and remember the loved one who passed.
Ohio has many great places to scatter the ashes of a loved one or pet. Below we’ve described some of the more common locations families choose.
- Private Property – As with most other states, Ohio has no state laws that prohibit you from scattering the ashes of a loved one or pet in your yard or on other private property. If you plan on scattering the ashes on private party owned by another person or organization, it will be important to get their permission beforehand.
- Scattering Gardens – with the increase in the amount of people in Ohio being cremated, many churches, memorial parks, and cemeteries in the state are opening up designated areas on their property where people can scatter a loved one’s ashes. If this is of interest to you, reach out to your local funeral home or church to find a location in your area.
- Public Land – Ohio is home to some beautiful landscapes. If you plan on scattering on public land, be sure to check with local city or county offices where you plan on doing this to see if any local regulations exist.
- Federal Land – Scattering in National Parks or on other federal land is common in Ohio and in many other states. Almost all of the National Parks allow scattering as long as you get their permission first and follow any rules or restrictions they have in place. Every National Park has their own set of rules related to scattering, so a quick internet search or a call to the park ranger’s office can provide you with the information you need for that particular park. Keep in mind that the permitting process can take weeks or even months, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
- From an Airplane – In Ohio, as well as in most other states, there are no state laws restricting scattering ashes from an airplane and with a quick internet search, you can find companies that can provide this service. It’s important to note that while the ashes are harmless to scatter from the sky, the urn or other container holding the ashes cannot be dropped – federal aviation law prohibits releasing any objects from the sky that could cause harm to people or property.
What’s the Best Way to Scatter Ashes?
With cremation growing in Ohio as well as the surrounding states, there are now urns available that are designed to scatter. These typically have a long cylindrical shape, giving people the ability to scatter away from their body (helping to prevent having the ashes blow back on them).
Below are some of the most popular scattering urns offered by funeral homes nationwide.
Bamboo Scattering Urns
Bamboo, a fast growing and sustainable resource, is one of the strongest building materials on earth! The Eco Scattering Urn is the only scattering urn available made from bamboo. This patented urn is an attractive option that can easily be engraved with your loved one’s information, a saying, and/or image. It comes with a unique open and close mechanism on top that provides you with the ability to securely transport ashes of a loved one (or pet) to a special location to scatter. It also provides you with the option to scatter a portion of the ashes at one place then re-secure the additional ashes in the scattering urn to take to another location to scatter or take home with you. Starting at $49, the Eco Scattering Urn is an affordable option for most families.
Paper Scattering Urns
There are many scattering urns made from heavy paper that can be found online or at your local funeral home. These are typically a lower cost option to the other scattering urns available and can be found with a number of different images printed on the outside of the urn. These are designed for one-time use (and not for scattering at multiple locations) and also require an added step of gluing part of it together while loading the ashes into the urn.
Water Urn
Water burials are growing in popularity among Ohioans and others throughout the country. One of the leading new urns that gives you the ability to do a water burial with ease is the biodegradable Eco Water Urn. This patent pending urn was recently introduced to the market and has quickly become the top choice of funeral homes nationwide. It is made from recycled plant materials and floats like a buoy for up to a few minutes before dissolving and gracefully scattering a loved one’s ashes. In addition, it comes packaged in an attractive bamboo case, which can be used in ceremonies and to securely transport the urn holding a loved one’s ashes to the water.
What About Multiple Memorials?
With more people choosing cremation in Ohio and in other states nationwide, more memorial options that incorporate ashes have recently come available. In addition to scattering, this includes doing a tree burial with The Living Urn, an indoor Living Urn with a bonsai tree or houseplant, having ashes included in a colorful glass decoration, or incorporating ashes in cremation jewelry, among many other options. With so many memorial options now available, many families are choosing to use a portion of a loved one’s ashes in multiple memorials.
More About Cremation and Ashes
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