Cremated Remains FAQs

FAQs About Cremated Remains

At Basic Funerals, we understand that you might have questions concerning cremated remains. After all, it’s an important part of the funeral planning process.

We have put together some information that we hope you find helpful. If you can’t find the answer to your questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Cremated Remains: A Glossary

Cremation Container

A cremation container is designed to ensure the safe and dignified transportation of the deceased for the purpose of cremation. Cremation containers range from simple cardboard boxes to something that more closely resembles a traditional casket

Cremation Urn

A cremation urn is the vessel into which cremated remains are placed following completion of the process. An urn can be anything from a plain cardboard or plastic box to a more ornate wooden, marble, or metal container.

FAQs About Cremated Remains

  • What Do I Do With Cremated Remains?

    Following a cremation, the cremated remains are placed into a plastic bag and then into a temporary container. At this point, you can decide whether you’d like to keep the cremated remains in your home, inter them in a cemetery, or scatter them in a location that holds special significance


    Typically, when a family decides to keep the cremated remains at home, they will transfer them into an urn or other ornamental container.


    Cemetery interment refers to the burial of cremated remains in a designated urn garden or an existing plot. Most cemeteries will accept up to 3 urns in a single plot, even if there is already a casket present.


    An increasingly popular option is placing an urn in a columbarium niche. A columbarium is a large wall that features compartments (niches) designed to accommodate urns. Many have glass fronts which allow for viewing. Columbariums can be indoor or outdoor and niches range in size, placement, and price.


    Some cemeteries offer scattering gardens where you can scatter your loved ones cremated remains. A nominal fee typically applies.

  • Is It Legal to Scatter Cremated Remains?

    Generally, scattering cremated remains is legal in Ontario but we recommend verifying for health reasons. Some municipalities have by-laws or require special permits be acquired before a scattering ceremony can take place. If you chose to scatter on private property, you must have permission from the property owner.

  • Can I Bring Cremated Remains on a Plane?

    After cremation, some families choose to bring cremated remains on a plane with them in order to facilitate an out-of-town memorial service or scattering ceremony.


    If you decide to travel with cremated remains, it’s important to have the cremation certificate. This document is provided upon receipt of the cremated remains and should remain with the container at all times. You will also have to include a letter stating the contents of the container. Canadian airport regulations require that an urn be plastic, cardboard, or wood because metal and marble cannot be x-rayed. Airport staff will not open the urn out of respect for the deceased.

  • Do I Need to Purchase an Urn?

    Cremated remains are returned to the family in a sealed plastic bag. The bag is placed in a cardboard or plastic container which can be used temporarily or permanently. For a simple burial or scattering cemetery, there is no need to purchase an urn. However some families prefer to keep the cremated remains in their home or would like a more formal vessel. There are a wide range of options when it comes to urns.

To learn more about our funeral arrangement services, please contact us at Basic Funerals.