Scatter tubes are purpose-made, biodegradable containers designed for the controlled release of cremated ashes during a scattering ceremony. Their tall, slim shape makes scattering far easier and more dignified than tipping ashes from a traditional urn.
Most scatter tubes are made from recycled card or natural plant fibres and break down naturally if buried or placed in water. They suit any scattering setting: at sea, in a river, in mountains, in gardens, or in places of personal meaning.
The adult size holds the full ashes of an adult, with smaller sizes available for sharing portions between family members or for partial scatterings. All our scatter tubes are designed for single-use, eco-friendly release.
If you're new to scattering, our complete scattering ashes guide covers the legal rules, common locations, and the practical mistakes families most often regret.
Choosing a scatter tube
Which size? Most of the tubes here come in a range of sizes, from a small token tube of about 0.09 litres, through mini (about 0.33 litres), small (about 0.66 litres) and medium (about 1.64 litres), to the adult size of about 3.93 litres. The ashes of an average adult come to about 3 to 3.5 litres, so the adult size holds them all, and the smaller sizes are for a share. Each tube lists its capacity in litres, and our urn size guide explains how to measure the ashes you have.
How does it open? Most of the tubes here have a removable lid and a push-in scattering tab, so the ashes can be released in a controlled way when you are ready.
More help. Our guides explain the types of scattering tube and the rules on scattering ashes. If the ashes are to be placed in the sea or a river, see our biodegradable urns for water burial, and for a burial in the ground our biodegradable urns.
