What Happens to Ashes After Cremation? Your Options Explained

What happens to ashes after cremation? After cremation, the ashes (cremated remains) are returned to the family in an urn. You then have complete flexibility in how to honor your loved one. Here are your options.

The Urn: What You Receive

After cremation at a registered facility in Gauteng, the ashes are processed and placed in a tasteful urn. At Affordable Cremations (R9,800 unattended), you receive a basic dignified urn. Witnessed cremation (R12,500) includes premium urn selection from a curated range.

Your Options for Ashes Disposal

1. Keep the Urn at Home

Most Popular Option

Many families keep the urn at home as a memorial. It provides comfort, allows ongoing connection, and can be displayed in a prominent place.

Considerations:

• No ongoing cemetery fees
• Personal memorial space
• Flexibility to change your mind later

2. Scatter the Ashes

Create a Lasting Memory at a Meaningful Location

You can scatter ashes at a place your loved one cherished—a garden, river, mountain, beach, or other meaningful location.

Scattering Options:

• DIY Scattering: You scatter the ashes yourself at a chosen location
• Professional Scattering: Affordable Cremations offers professional scattering services with guidance and ceremony (available at additional cost)
• Ash Scattering Locations in Gauteng:
  • Hartbeespoort Dam
  • Magalies River
  • Union Buildings gardens (with permission)
  • Family private property
  • Golf courses (with club approval)
  • Sacred or spiritual sites

Legal Considerations:

• Public lands: Generally permitted (rivers, nature reserves) without formal approval
• Private property: Requires owner permission
• Protected areas: Check with local authorities

3. Bury the Urn

Cemetery or Private Ground Burial

You can bury the urn in a cemetery or on private land, creating a permanent memorial site.

Cemetery Burial:

• Purchase a cemetery plot (often cheaper than full burial)
• Install a headstone or memorial marker (R3,000–R10,000)
• Annual maintenance fees apply (R500–R2,000/year)

Private Property Burial:

• Bury the urn on family property
• Install a permanent memorial marker
• No ongoing cemetery fees

4. Divide the Ashes

Split Ashes Among Multiple Family Members

Some families divide the ashes so multiple relatives can keep a portion. This allows each family member a personal connection.

How It Works:

• Cremated remains can be divided into smaller urns or keepsake containers
• Each family member receives a portion
• Some families scatter one portion and keep another
• International split: Portions can be taken overseas if family has migrated

5. Columbarium Placement

Wall-Mounted Memorial Niche

A columbarium is a specialized wall or structure with individual niches for urns. This creates a permanent, organized memorial.

Costs:

• Niche purchase: R5,000–R15,000 (one-time)
• Maintenance: R300–R1,000/year

Advantages:

• Permanent, protected memorial
• Lower cost than full burial
• Community setting for reflection

6. Create a Memorial Garden

Plant a Tree or Garden in Memory

Some families scatter ashes and plant a tree or flowering garden as a living memorial.

Options:

• Scatter at base of a newly planted tree
• Create a flowering garden bed
• Combine with a memorial plaque

Timeline for Ashes Return

At Affordable Cremations:

• Ashes are ready for collection within 24 hours of cremation
• Free local delivery available within Gauteng
• You decide when to collect based on your preferences

Special Considerations

Transporting Ashes Internationally

If family members have relocated overseas, ashes can be transported by air. Affordable Cremations provides proper documentation (International Civil Aviation Organization compliance) for air transport.

Religious or Cultural Practices

Hindu Tradition: Scattering ashes in a river (especially the Ganges if possible, or local river as alternative) is preferred.

Christian Tradition: Varies by denomination; many accept all disposal options.

Islamic Tradition: While burial is traditional, cremation is increasingly used; ashes are typically scattered or buried.

Secular Families: Complete freedom to choose any meaningful option.

What NOT to Do With Ashes

• Do not scatter illegally on protected lands without permission
• Do not scatter in ways that endanger others (near roads, water intakes)
• Do not spread ashes in a disrespectful manner
• Do not dispose of ashes in the ocean without understanding local regulations

Making Your Decision

Consider:

1. Your loved one’s wishes — Did they express a preference?
2. Your family’s traditions — What aligns with your culture or religion?
3. Your practical needs — Do you want a permanent memorial site or flexibility?
4. Budget — Cemetery plots incur ongoing fees; keeping an urn at home has no cost.
5. Long-term logistics — Can you maintain a cemetery plot? Do you plan to migrate?

Need Guidance?

Affordable Cremations is available 24/7 to discuss your options and help you choose what’s best for your family. Call 0827047497 or 084 582 4826 for personalized guidance.

Warm regards, The Booking Team.