7 Cremation Facts you might not know

Cremation is the most common choice in the UK today, yet a lot about how it actually works is misunderstood. Here are seven facts about cremation and cremated remains that many people do not know.

Quick answer: Cremation ashes are not ash at all but finely processed bone. Pets can be cremated too, and certain items like pacemakers must be removed first. UK law allows only one person per chamber, the process takes about 2 to 3 hours, and you can still hold a full funeral. Ashes can be kept at home, scattered, buried, or stored in a columbarium.

1. Ashes are not really ashes

What is returned to you is not ash in the way a fire leaves ash. Cremation removes all soft tissue and water, leaving only bone. Those bone fragments are then processed in a machine into the fine, pale, sand-like powder most people picture. It is closer to ground mineral than to burnt wood.

2. Cremation is not just for people

Pets can be cremated too, and many families keep a companion's ashes at home or in the garden, scatter them in a favorite spot, or keep a portion in a keepsake. The choices are much the same as for a person. You can see designs made for them in our pet urns collection.

3. Some items cannot be cremated

A few things must be removed beforehand, both for safety and to protect the equipment. The clearest example is a pacemaker, whose battery can explode under high heat. Items that are removed or not permitted include:

• Pacemakers and battery-powered medical devices.
• Most metal items, although titanium joints are usually fine and removed afterwards.
• Some synthetic clothing.
• Radioactive implants used in cancer treatment.
• Silicone implants.

4. Only one person is cremated at a time

Contrary to a common worry, bodies are never cremated together. UK law requires each person to be cremated individually, and remains are never mixed. The only exception is a case such as a mother and baby or twin infants, and only when the next of kin requests it in writing.

5. You can be cremated and still have a funeral

Choosing cremation does not mean giving up a service. You can hold a traditional funeral before or after the cremation, and then bury the ashes, scatter them, or keep them at home. Cremation simply changes what happens to the body, not whether you can say goodbye properly.

6. Ashes can be kept in a columbarium

A columbarium is a structure, often in a cemetery or church, designed to hold urns in individual niches. For families who do not want a burial but would like a permanent place to visit, it offers a resting place that future generations can return to.

7. The cremation itself takes 2 to 3 hours

The cremation of an adult takes roughly 2 to 3 hours, depending on the person, followed by a cooling period before the remains are processed. Pet cremation varies with size, from around 30 minutes for a small animal to several hours for a very large one.

For a full walk-through of each stage, see our guide on the cremation process. Once the ashes are returned, you can transfer them into a cremation urn of your choice, and our guide on what to do with ashes after cremation covers every option.

Frequently asked questions

Are cremation ashes really ashes?

No. They are processed bone, not ash from burning. Cremation removes soft tissue, leaving bone fragments that are then ground into a fine, sand-like powder.

Can more than one person be cremated at once?

No. UK law requires each person to be cremated individually, and remains are never mixed. The only exception, such as a mother and baby, must be requested in writing by the next of kin.

Can you have a funeral if you choose cremation?

Yes. You can hold a full funeral service before or after the cremation, then keep, scatter or bury the ashes. Cremation does not replace the chance to say goodbye.

How long does cremation take?

The cremation of an adult takes about 2 to 3 hours, plus cooling time. Pet cremation ranges from around 30 minutes for a small animal to several hours for a large one.