Today, cremation is becoming a fast growing trend in the United States. In Massachusetts, cremation services are more popular than ever. While the choice of cremation remains a choice based on religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, the law - federal, state, regional and municipal, does have some influence on the practice. Each state has certain specifics. Cremations services in Massachusetts are no exception.
Cremation under Massachusetts Law
According to law, cremation is a specific practice. It is the incineration of the body of the deceased. In Massachusetts, cremation services can only take place in a crematorium. These facilities must hold a valid license from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. The process cannot occur until 48 hours after death has occurred.
In addition, to a death certificate, the medical examiner must also provide a signed statement. This states that he or she has viewed the deceased and finds no necessity for judicial inquiry or further examination. The deceased can then be prepared for the process. This may or may not require purchase of a casket. Since for many the lack of a coffin helps reduce Massachusetts cremation costs, it is important to understand the law on this point.
Cremation and Caskets
No federal or state law requires you purchase a casket for cremation. Yet, certain rules do require you to provide a container for the deceased for the process. In Massachusetts, you must house the deceased in a "suitable receptacle" (M.G.L. c.114, s. 44A). This must be a rigid container such as a simple plywood or cardboard box. It must have a plastic lining. This is often called an "alternative container." The lack of both a casket and embalming is partially responsible for keeping down cremation costs in Massachusetts.
To Ashes - Massachusetts Cremation Services
At the end the body becomes ashes. Providers of cremation services in Massachusetts can help you then decide what to do with the "cremains." Initially, you will receive them in a container. Whether this is an elaborate urn or a simply box, is up to you. The wishes of the deceased also play an important role in making this decision.
After you decide on a container for your loved one, it may also be time to consider what you want to do with the ashes. You can choose from several options. The common and traditional choices for disposal are:

• Columbarium - around since Roman times, these structures feature niches for containing urns. They may be in a cemetery or a churchyard and are often outdoor structures
• Home - some prefer to take the container home with them. They can then place it in a specific room. The stereotypical placement is on the mantel piece
• Indoors - some cemeteries and other facilities have indoor columbarium-like structures. You can place the urn in a niche
• Vaults - some individuals place the ashes in a vault with the remains of other family members
• Burials - Some people prefer to bury the urn. This can be expensive, although less expensive than a traditional funeral.

Overall, though, these methods are one reason why Massachusetts cremation costs are lower than those associated with a traditional funeral.
Yet, there are other options. Some can raise the cremation costs in Massachusetts; other can help keep it inexpensive. This is certainly true of scattering. Places to scatter the ashes of the deceased include land and sea. Obviously the hiring of a ship or plane will affect the overall Massachusetts cremation costs.
Laws governing Ash Disposal in Massachusetts
When it comes to scattering your loved ones on land or at sea, you need to look at the law. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that any burial at sea, including ashes, must occur no closer than "3 nautical miles from land." You can throw in wreathes and flowers after the ashes, but only if they are "decomposable in the marine environment." If you do decide to place the ashes at sea, it is essential you inform the Regional Administrator of the Region from which you carry out the ceremony within 30 days following it.
Scattering the ashes on land does not fall under the auspices of the EPA. It is possible to hire a plane or rent a balloon or even to launch a rocket to scatter the ashes in the clouds and over the land. Depending upon the services involved his will substantially increase the cremation costs in Massachusetts.
Yet, you need to follow some basic rules:

• Know whether the land is private or public - different restrictions apply
• Never scatter ashes close to schools or other heavily pedestrian areas
• Check municipal or regional bylaws before you scatter ashes
• Ask permission if you are planning on a more public scattering
• Use common sense wherever you do decide to scatter

Overall, most forms of cremation services in Massachusetts are acceptable as long as you follow the rules and apply common sense in scattering the ashes. If you have questions or are concerned about specific Massachusetts cremation costs and issues, talk to us. We can help you get through this.