Environmental Impact of Cremation & Cremation Products

Crematories have been making efforts to reduce emissions through the use of energy-efficient equipment, offering alternative cremation methods, and adhering to the environmental regulations and guidelines set by the states where they are located. It is important to note that the rigor of these regulations varies significantly from state to state, with some enforcing strict emissions and performance standards while others have more general guidelines. Each of these actions helps crematories minimize their carbon footprint and promote a more environmentally friendly and sustainable approach.

Energy-efficient equipment and machines used in the cremation process consume less energy, conserve resources, and help to reduce the release of greenhouse gas emissions. Many crematories also use scrubbing and filtration systems to help neutralize harmful particulate matter released during cremation. Since no one system or machine can completely eliminate or prevent emissions, these components are typically used in combination to address specific concerns, such as mercury or carbon dioxide. 

Offering alternative cremation methods is another increasingly popular option to reduce emissions. Methods such as alkaline hydrolysis, electric cremation, and natural organic reduction have been shown to significantly reduce carbon emissions in comparison to traditional cremation. Since the industry and market surrounding cremation alternatives are actively emerging, these methods are not yet accessible in all locations. However, as people continue to become aware of the environmental impact of their final arrangements, the interest in alternatives is likely to grow.

Additionally, all crematories are required to adhere to regulations and guidelines that have been set at the state and federal levels. Regulations typically vary by state. For example, the regulations in Vermont include:

• Prohibition of visible emissions 
• Prohibition of odor 
• Standards of performance for incinerators
• Collection of emission testing data 
• Following specific equipment specifications 

In comparison, regulations for crematories in California include providing special notice of the risk of crematory emissions within 1,000 feet of a school, requirements for calculating emissions from equipment, and undergoing a best available control technology (BACT) analysis if crematory equipment emits over 10 pounds of emissions. 

Sources

“Death Has A Climate Change Problem”. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/green-death-care-practices-water-cremation-natural-organic-reduction_n_6116c41fe4b0a2603b7db97a 

“Alkaline Hydrolysis”. Cremation Association of North America. https://www.cremationassociation.org/alkalinehydrolysis.html 

“Resomation”. Resomation: Natural Water Cremation. https://resomation.com/ 

“The future of cremation: exploring the benefits of electric cremation”. CremaTech. https://www.crematech.nl/electric-cremation/?lang=en 

“The Terramation (Human Composting) Process”. Return Home. https://returnhome.com/return-home-process/ 

“Crematories”. State of Vermont. https://dec.vermont.gov/air-quality/permits/source-categories/crematories 

The United States doesn’t have federal regulations that are specific to cremation emissions, but states and local jurisdictions have their own regulations and requirements that crematories must follow. It is important to note that crematories are not classified as solid waste incinerators and are therefore not subject to the specific federal regulations that apply to them. Cremation emissions are regulated through air permits by state environmental protection agencies, and the regulations vary by state and sometimes even by county or locality. Regulations often focus on limiting the emissions associated with certain pollutants in the atmosphere or concerns about visible emissions emerging from crematories.

Since some states have regulations that monitor and control the level of emissions permitted from crematories, these facilities have to take additional action to adhere to the restrictions. This can include using filters or scrubbers to help reduce the release of pollutants in the air, consistently maintaining cremation equipment, increased utilization of newer cremation units or technologies that achieve combustion while producing minimal emissions and limiting the number of cremations that can be performed per month (as is the case in LA county). Some crematories are also opting to use alternatives such as alkaline hydrolysis since it emits no greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It can further reduce the environmental impact of body disposal if the energy used to heat the water is produced using solar, wind, or hydroelectric technologies.

Although there aren’t any federal regulations for cremation emissions, it is still important for individuals and crematories to be aware of the regulations that exist within their state and locality. Cremation has surpassed burial as the most popular selection for final disposition in the US, which makes monitoring and managing emissions even more important. Over time, continued advocacy may eventually result in more substantial regulations for cremation emissions and air quality. 

Sources

“Environmental Impact of Cremation”. Cremation Association of North America. https://www.cremationassociation.org/blog/environmental-impact-of-cremation 

“The Environmental Impact and Potential Human Health Effects of Cremation”. Green Burial Council. https://www.greenburialcouncil.org/environmental_impact_cremation.html 

“Aquamation or Resomation: A ‘Green’ Alternative to the traditional Funeral”. US Funerals Online. https://www.us-funerals.com/aquamation-or-resomation/ 

Burying cremated remains has a negative impact on the environment in multiple ways. The high pH level and sodium content of cremated remains are harmful to plants and trees. Cremated remains typically contain sodium levels that are 200 to 2000 times higher than the tolerable threshold for plant life. The higher pH level also prevents any remaining good organic compounds from being released from the remains. When ashes are scattered, it can cause phosphorus run-off in waterways and result in an algae bloom that kills waterlife. 

Although cremated remains can be harmful to the environment, there are methods for reducing the detrimental impact associated with their burial. It is possible to neutralize the high pH levels of cremains by using specialized mixtures (known as soil amendments) that have been developed for planting cremation ashes with trees, bushes, or flowers. These special mixtures dilute the sodium and lower the pH content in the cremains so that it can be used without inhibiting plant growth or destroying existing natural flora. However, cremains must be combined with these mixtures for 90 to 120 days before they can safely be used. 

Another increasingly popular option is to place the cremated remains at a conservation burial cemetery rather than scattering them or burying them in an alternative location. Conservation burial cemeteries reduce the harmful effects associated with burying cremated remains by proactively taking additional action to protect the surrounding environment. This includes burying the cremated remains at a suitable depth, protecting root channels, and using soil amendments as needed. If the family opts to bury the cremated remains in an urn, then selecting a biodegradable urn will further reduce the negative consequences to the environment when the burial occurs. 

Sources

“Burying Cremated Remains”. Conservation Burial Alliance. https://www.conservationburialalliance.org/burying_cremated_remains.html 

“Are Human Ashes Toxic to the Environment?” Let Your Love Grow. https://letyourlovegrow.com/blogs/blog/why-burying-ashes-is-harmful-to-the-environment 

“Planting With Cremains – Is There A Safe Way To Bury Ashes?”. Gardening Know How. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/is-there-a-safe-way-to-bury-ashes.htm 

“Cremation Burial Options”. Conservation Burial Alliance. https://www.conservationburialalliance.org/what_land_trusts_need-to-know_about-_cremation.html 

A significant amount of energy is required to complete a human cremation. The exact amount of fuel necessary varies based on the type of cremation chamber and the size of the body. A typical cremation requires an average of 28 gallons of fuel, which is equivalent to a full tank of gas in an SUV. It is important to note that energy consumption is lower when the cremation chamber, or retort, is kept running throughout the day, as this avoids the high energy cost of reheating a cooled unit for each new cremation. Despite this efficiency in continuous operation, the collective energy consumption from multiple cremations can rapidly increase and have a significant impact on the environment.

There are ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of cremation, including its relationship to energy consumption. Many crematoriums are utilizing new technologies and introducing energy-efficient machines into their workflows. There has also been an increased interest in alternatives such as alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction, which use less energy and produce fewer emissions in comparison to traditional cremation.

Another potential alternative is electric cremation, which relies on a relatively low amount of electricity (approximately 300 kilowatt-hours), which is equivalent to the amount of electricity an average U.S. household uses in about ten days. Unlike gas-fired cremation, the process itself does not produce direct emissions from burning fossil fuels. However, it is important to note that any emissions from embalming fluids or the combustion of a rigid container (which is typically required) would still be present. The overall environmental benefit is greatest when the electricity is sourced from renewables like wind or solar power. Ultimately, these advancements focus on minimizing the impact associated with cremation to ensure a more sustainable, eco-friendly option for honoring loved ones.

Sources

“Top 5 Cremation Alternatives And Eco-Friendly Options”. Return Home. https://returnhome.com/top-5-cremation-alternatives-and-eco-friendly-options/ 

“How Electric Cremation Compares to Other Cremation Services”. Cremation Green. https://www.cremation.green/how-electric-cremation-compares-to-other-cremation-services/