Cremated remains (ashes)
We will need a request in writing to have ashes scattered, interred (buried), or collected. This should be from the applicant for the cremation. This can be done on a form called the crem 7. This can be done on the application form for the cremation (Crem 1). This can be done in a letter with a signature matching the application form (crem1). (Regulation 16 of the Cremations Regulations, 1930).
Cremated remains will be stored for three months from the date the cremation happened. There is no charge for this 3-month period. We may write to the applicant to tell them of any fee to keep ashes in storage for longer than 3 months. There will be a chance to collect, inter, or scatter the ashes before we write to ask for a storage fee.
The council can scatter or bury ashes when we have not had any written instructions from the applicant. The council will give 14 days' notice of this to the applicant in writing. If the storage fee has not been paid this notice can be sent. If the ashes have been in storage with instruction but that instruction has not been followed this notice can be sent. Regulation 16 of the Cremation Regulations, 1930).
We might not be able to get back or remove ashes that have been interred or scattered in the Garden of Remembrance.
Cremated remains can only be released by a written instruction from the Applicant. They are released in a suitable container designed for ashes. There will also be a certificate of cremation with the ashes.
Metal that is found in the cremated remains is sent to the Institute of Cemeteries and Crematoria (also called the ICCM). They have a metal recycling scheme. The money that is made from recycling is donated to the cemetery and crematoriums chosen charity. Metals may be asked to be recovered in the application for cremation. We cannot always recover metals to give back.