2023 State Guide to Scattering Ashes - Vermont Edition
How much does cremation cost in Vermont: $1,395
This forty-eighth edition of state guides to scattering ashes focuses on Vermont. This beautiful state is home to breathtaking rolling mountains, stunning Fall foliage, impressive lakes and rivers, and charming small towns.
Vermont has one of the highest cremation rates in the nation (at over 70%) and this continues to increase (mainly due to a much lower cremation cost compared to burial and many families who are less traditional). In addition to the large and growing percentage of people from Vermont choosing cremation, more and more people in the state are also electing to have their ashes scattered.
Funeral directors in Vermont and many nearby states field frequent questions from families about scattering ashes. This includes if it is allowed in Vermont, where in Vermont can they scatter, and what type of urn is recommended to do a scattering. In this state guide we highlight key information about scattering ashes in Vermont to answer common questions and help educate people on this memorial option that continues to grow in popularity.
Regulations in Vermont for Storing and Scattering Ashes
Vermont has no state laws that restrict storing or scattering ashes. Cremation makes the resulting ashes harmless and they don’t present any risks to our health. Cremated ashes in Vermont can be placed in an urn or other container of your choosing. Ashes can also be kept in a grave, niche, or crypt.
If you’re interested in scattering a loved one’s ashes, there are almost endless locations in Vermont where this can be done.
Where in Vermont Can You Scatter Ashes?
Many families in Vermont will elect to scatter a loved one or pet’s ashes at a location that has special meaning to them, at a favorite vacation destination, or at beautiful scenic spot.
Below we highlight some of the most common places where people scatter ashes in Vermont.
- Private Property – as with most other states, no state-wide laws exist in Vermont that place restrictions on scattering ashes in your yard or on other private property you own. If you’re considering scattering ashes on private property owned by someone else, be sure to reach out to them and get their permission first.
- Public Land – Vermont has some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. Although there are no state laws prohibiting scattering ashes in Vermont, if you’re looking to scatter on public land in the state, it’s a good idea to check with county or city government offices to learn if there are any local restrictions or regulations that exist where you plan on scattering.
- National Parks – with the stunning landscapes present in many of our National Parks, they are popular places where people are interested in scattering ashes. If this is of interest to you or your family, it’s important to reach out to the park ranger’s office where you want to scatter to find out if any restrictions or regulations are in place at that park. Every National Park has its own set of rules, so what’s the case at one park may not be the same at another. Also, some parks require a permit and obtaining one can take weeks or even months, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
- Scattering Gardens – with a cremation rate at over 70% and growing, and with many people interested in scattering ashes, a number of memorial parks, cemeteries, and churches in Vermont have developed scattering gardens. These are special areas on their property where you’re permitted to scatter a loved one’s ashes. If you’re interested in scattering at a scattering garden, reach out to your local funeral director, or do a quick internet search to learn about the options in your area.
- Water Burial – many people have a special connection to the water and are interested in being memorialized in the water after the pass. With the growing interest in this option, many new urns have been developed to make it easy on families to perform water burials or scatterings at sea. If this is of interest to you, keep in mind that federal law requires that a water burial takes place at least three nautical miles from land and the U.S. EPA requires that they’re given notice within thirty days of a water burial occurring.
- Aerial Scattering – in Vermont, along with almost all other states, no state laws exist that prohibit you from scattering a loved one’s ashes from an airplane. Just be respectful of others and avoid doing this over populated areas. In addition, don’t drop the urn or container used to scatter the ashes - federal aviation law restricts dropping any object from a plane that can cause potential damage to property or that can injure people.
How to Scatter Ashes?
With the large and growing number of people in Vermont choosing cremation and also having their ashes scattered, many new urns designed to scatter have recently become available in the state. Below we provide information on some of the more commonly used scattering urns offered by funeral homes in Vermont and throughout the country.
Eco Scattering Urn
The patented Eco Scattering Urn is one of the leading new scattering urns offered online and by funeral homes in Vermont and nationwide. It is the only scattering urn available that’s made from bamboo – a sustainable resource that’s also one of the strongest building materials on earth! This attractive urn is simple and easy to use and has a long cylinder shape which helps people scatter the ashes away from their body. In addition, it comes with a unique open and close locking mechanism that gives you the ability to secure the ashes in the urn while you travel to that special location (or locations) to scatter. Starting at $49, the Eco Scattering Urn is an affordable option for most people.
Paper Scattering Urns
There are many different scattering urns available that are manufactured from paper. These ‘paper urns’ are typically found with an outdoor scene or other image printed on the outside. They are considered low-cost options to other urns on the market, however come with a few drawbacks. This includes that the urn can lose its integrity if it becomes wet (so avoid scattering in the rain or snow) and there is an added step of gluing part of the urn in place while loading the ashes.
Eco Water Urn
As many people have a special connection to the water, water burials (or scatterings at sea) are becoming more and more popular. One of the leading new urn options that makes it easy on families to perform a water burial is the Eco Water Urn. This unique biodegradable urn is made entirely from recycled plant materials with only pressure and heat (no chemicals or glues). The urn floats on the water, similar to a buoy, for a short amount of time until the bottom beaks open and the cremated ashes are feed into the water. It comes packaged in a unique and attractive bamboo case, which can be engraved with your loved one’s name, date of birth and death, a saying, and a symbol - all for a reasonable price. This special casing also makes for a great way to securely transport the urn holding your loved one’s ashes to that special place on the water for a water burial.
Can You Have Multiple Memorials?
With the large and growing number of people in Vermont choosing to be cremated, new and unique urns and memorial options that incorporate a person or pet’s ashes have recently been introduced. With so many wonderful new options, many people are finding it challenging to only choose a single memorial for a loved one and elect to honor them with multiple memorials. This can include using a portion of the ashes in a few of the following popular options:
- Scattering at a special meaningful place (or places)
- With The Living Urn bio urn to grow a beautiful tree memorial
- In a glass decorative piece, providing an array of color
- In a stunning stone or cremation jewelry, among many other interesting and uplifting options.