How does cremation work?
Cremation is a regulated process that uses intense heat in a specialized chamber to reduce the body to cremated remains.
It's more controlled than the word "cremation" can make it sound.
Before cremation starts, the provider needs the required legal authorization and permits. The person is identified and tracked through each step. Afterward, the bone fragments that remain are cooled, processed and placed in a temporary container or urn.
The exact rules differ by state.
After.com's How Does Cremation Work? is a helpful industry reference for the overall process.
Step 1: The death is legally certified
Cremation starts with paperwork, well before the chamber.
Depending on where the person died, a doctor, hospice professional, coroner, medical examiner or other authorized official may need to certify the death or release the body.
Step 2: The person is transferred into care
The body is taken to a funeral home, crematory or other authorized provider.
The provider records identifying details and follows the state's rules for custody and transport.
Step 3: The family or authorized person gives permission
Cremation usually needs specific authorization.
State law decides who can give it. In some states, so can a written choice the person made before they died.
Start with the HonestFarewell state-law directory.
Step 4: Identification is checked
Crematories use identification steps that link the person to the paperwork and to the remains from start to finish.
The exact system varies by facility. The basic idea is the same everywhere:
the provider needs a reliable chain of identification from intake to the return of the remains.
Step 5: The body is placed in the required container
A cremation container is used, following state and facility requirements.
Someone being cremated doesn't automatically need a traditional burial casket.
Step 6: The cremation takes place
The container goes into a cremation chamber and is exposed to high heat.
The soft tissues are consumed or vaporized. What's left afterward is mostly bone and other material that doesn't burn.
How long it takes depends on the person and the equipment.
Step 7: Metal and other non-combustible material is handled
Some medical devices and metal parts can remain after cremation.
The crematory deals with them according to its procedures and the law that applies.
Tell the provider about any implanted medical devices you know of before the cremation.
Step 8: The remaining bone fragments are processed
Once they've cooled, the bone fragments are processed into the even material usually called cremated remains, or ashes.
People say "ashes," but it's more accurate to think of processed bone fragments. It isn't like ash from a fireplace.
Step 9: The remains are returned to the family
The remains may be placed in:
- a temporary container;
- an urn your family chose;
- another lawful container for burial or scattering.
Ask the provider how pickup, delivery or shipping works in your state.
Can you watch a cremation?
Some crematories offer a private witnessing.
It isn't part of every direct cremation package, and the rules on who can be there vary.
Ask the crematory before you assume it's offered.
Can you have a funeral before cremation?
Yes.
Your family can arrange a viewing, visitation, religious service or other ceremony before cremation, if the provider and state rules allow it.
See Cremation Funeral: Service Types, Process + Options.
What happens to the body during cremation?
The body is exposed to high heat inside a controlled chamber. Soft tissue breaks down. Bones remain and are processed later.
Many people think the body simply "turns to ash." What comes back to the family is mostly processed bone.
Frequently asked questions
How long does cremation take?
Time in the chamber is only one part of it. Legal authorizations, transport, scheduling, cooling, processing and returning the remains can stretch the whole process to several days.
Does the body burn completely?
Heat breaks down the soft tissue. Bone and some material that doesn't burn remain, and they're handled after the chamber cycle.
Are cremated remains really ashes?
People call them ashes, but the remains are mostly processed bone fragments.
Are cremations done one person at a time?
Crematories generally run their chambers for one person at a time and use identification controls to keep each case matched to the right remains. Ask the facility about its own procedures.
Can implants be cremated?
Some implants aren't destroyed by cremation and may need to be removed or dealt with afterward. Tell the provider about any devices you know of.