Glossary
What is scattering?
Scattering is the dispersal of cremated remains in a chosen place, such as a garden, the sea, or private land. Where you may scatter is governed by state and local rules and by property owners' permission, so families usually check before planning.
Common options include a cemetery scattering garden, private land with the owner's consent, or scattering at sea. Some families divide remains so they can scatter a portion and keep some in an urn or keepsake, which is widely permitted subject to local rules.
Scattering at sea is regulated by the US EPA under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act: cremated remains may be scattered in ocean waters at least three nautical miles from land, any flowers or containers must be readily decomposable in the marine environment, and the EPA must be notified within 30 days. Scattering in inland lakes and rivers is not covered by that federal rule but may be subject to state requirements.
On land, private property needs the owner's consent, and public parks — including many state and national parks — often require a permit or advance notice and may set conditions on location and method. Because the rules differ from place to place, confirming the requirements for a specific spot before you go is the surest way to avoid problems later.
Related terms
Cremains
Cremains is a common term for cremated remains — the bone fragments left after cremation, processed into a coarse, sandy material. They are returned to the family and can be kept in an urn, buried, scattered, or placed in a niche.
Disposition
Disposition refers to the final handling of a body — most commonly burial, entombment, cremation, or alkaline hydrolysis. The method of disposition is recorded on official paperwork and usually requires authorization from the legal next of kin.
Inurnment
Inurnment is the placing of cremated remains into an urn, or the placing of an urn into its final resting place such as a columbarium niche or a grave. It is the cremation counterpart to the burial term interment.
Urn
An urn is a container that holds cremated remains. Urns come in many materials, sizes, and styles — from simple boxes to decorative vessels and biodegradable options — and may be kept at home, buried, or placed in a columbarium niche.
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.