Does the U.S. Regulate Cremation Emissions?

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/