Cremation in the UK: Separating Facts from Myths

October 2025

Cremation has become the most common choice for funerals in the UK, accounting for around three-quarters of all services. Yet despite its familiarity, many people still hold misunderstandings about what actually happens during a cremation.

Myth 1: “People are cremated together.”

Fact: Each cremation takes place individually.

By law, only one coffin may be placed in the cremator at a time. UK crematoria operate under strict regulations set by the Cremation (England and Wales) Regulations 2008, or equivalent Scottish legislation. Every coffin is clearly identified with a metal nameplate or fire-resistant tag, which accompanies the deceased throughout the process to ensure that ashes are correctly returned to the right family.

The only exceptions are when a mother and baby, or very young siblings, have been specifically requested to be cremated together. Otherwise, each cremation is carried out completely separately.

Myth 2: “Coffins are reused.”

Fact: Coffins are never reused after cremation.

This is one of the most persistent myths, but it’s absolutely untrue. Once a coffin is sealed, it remains with the deceased throughout the entire process. Even in cases where a simple or eco-friendly coffin is used, it is committed whole into the cremator.

You may have seen “reusable” presentation coffins discussed online. These are used only for certain direct cremation or green funeral services where a cardboard or cremation-grade coffin is placed inside a decorative outer shell during the ceremony. The outer shell never enters the cremator, but the inner coffin, containing the deceased, always does. No coffin is ever emptied or used for anyone else.

Myth 3: “Not all the ashes returned are from your loved one.”

Fact: The ashes are all theirs, including small amounts of residue from the coffin.

After cremation, the remains consist mainly of bone fragments, which are carefully cooled and processed into the fine ash that families receive. Any metal (such as medical implants or coffin fittings) is removed magnetically, but otherwise, everything returned belongs to the person cremated. The process is designed to ensure complete separation and identification at every stage.

Myth 4: “Metal implants and jewellery melt away.”

Fact: Not always, and if possible, they are responsibly recycled.

It is usually advised to remove jewellery before cremation. Most metals, including surgical implants, do not melt during cremation. Instead, they remain in the ashes and are later removed by specialist equipment. Many crematoria now participate in nationwide recycling schemes managed by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM).

Recovered metals are sent for ethical recycling, with proceeds donated to UK charities such as hospices and bereavement support organisations. Families can opt out if they wish, but many find comfort knowing that something positive can come from the process.

Myth 5: “Anyone can run a cremation.”

Fact: Cremations are carried out only by licensed operators under tight regulation.

Crematoria in the UK are highly regulated facilities. Operators must hold environmental permits issued by local authorities, ensuring strict standards for emissions, maintenance, and record-keeping.

Each cremation must also be formally authorised by a Cremation Authority, based on detailed medical certification and official paperwork. Two doctors or, under newer medical examiner systems, an independent examiner, must review and sign off the cause of death before cremation can proceed. This safeguards public health and prevents any possibility of improper practice.

Myth 6: “Cremations are unregulated and unsupervised.”

Fact: They are governed by some of the most detailed funeral laws in the world.

Every UK cremation is subject to multiple layers of oversight. The Ministry of Justice and local councils regulate the facilities, environmental agencies oversee emissions, and professional bodies such as the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA) and the ICCM provide training, inspections, and codes of practice.

Funeral directors, too, are bound by consumer protection laws and voluntary codes through associations like SAIF and the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD). If you arrange a cremation through a reputable funeral director listed on The Farewell Guide, you can be confident they follow these high standards.

Myth 7: “Only religious figures can conduct a cremation service.”

Fact: Anyone the family chooses can lead the ceremony.

A cremation service can be religious, non-religious, or entirely personal. Some families choose a vicar, or priest; others prefer a celebrant or even a friend or family member to conduct the ceremony. The crematorium staff will ensure the proceedings run smoothly regardless of who officiates.

This flexibility is one reason cremation appeals to so many people, it allows for a service that truly reflects a person’s beliefs, values, and life story.

Myth 8: “You must scatter the ashes right away.”

Fact: There’s no time limit and some choose not to scatter the ashes, others make use of memorial jewellery, baubles or other keepsakes.

Families can choose to keep ashes, scatter them in a meaningful place, bury them in a memorial garden, or divide them between relatives. There’s no rush, some people take months or years to decide – want to hand onto them, and that’s perfectly fine. If you do scatter the ashes, consider registering the location on The Ashes Register.

Whether you wish to record your own funeral preferences, from cremation choice to music and readings, or are arranging a service for someone else, The Farewell Guide helps you make informed, confident decisions.

Cremation is ultimately about remembrance, and by separating fact from myth, we can ensure that remembrance is carried out with honesty, respect, and peace of mind.