Diposition of Cremated Remains in NC
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Cremation is an increasing common way of handling human remains. While cremated remains are sometimes buried, there is often a desire on the part of family members (or a request from the deceased) to scatter the ashes somewhere.
North Carolina General Statutes Section 90-210.130(f) provides for legal methods of scattering of cremated remains:
- over uninhabited public land
- over a public waterway or sea, subject to health and environmental standards
- on private property of a consenting landowner
- must be removed from the closed container
Boats or airplanes can be used to perform the scattering. Scattering in a scattering garden in a dedicated cemetery is also permitted under NCGS Section 90-210-130(c).
Keep in mind that unless the deceased has requested cremation in a Will, Health Care Power of Attorney or other writing witnessed by two people, the next of kin must consent to the cremation in writing before it can take place.
