Omar Khalid
After losing a loved one, you may be faced with the task of opening a plastic cremation container to transfer their ashes into an urn. This can be an emotional and difficult process, and it is important to handle the ashes with care and respect. The ashes are usually placed in a thick plastic bag inside a sturdy cardboard box or a plastic box with a snap lid. To open the plastic container, you can use a flat-head screwdriver to pry open the lid, which is often a visibly protruding circle. You can then transfer the ashes into an urn of your choice, either by cutting a diagonal hole in one corner of the bag and pouring the ashes through a funnel, or by placing the entire bag inside the urn.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bag containing ashes | Sealed or closed with a tight tie on both ends |
| Plastic cremation container | Has a visibly protruding circle on one end |
| Tool for opening the container | Flathead screwdriver or any other tool that can be used to pry open the circle |
| Funnel | Used to pour ashes into the urn |
| Sealing the urn | Use household caulk or glue/sealant on the lid |
| Scattering ashes | Scattering tubes are available to help carry and scatter ashes |
| Keepsakes | Small urns or jewellery can be purchased to hold a small portion of the ashes |
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What You'll Learn
Using a flathead screwdriver
To open a plastic ashes box using a flathead screwdriver, you must first assess the urn to understand its opening mechanism. Look for any screws, a threaded lid, or evidence of an adhesive seal.
If the urn has been sealed with an adhesive, you can use a cotton swab dipped in an epoxy solution or fingernail polish remover to soften the seal. If the urn has a threaded lid, apply gentle pressure and twist counterclockwise to open it.
If the urn is sealed with screws, a flathead screwdriver can be used to carefully remove them. For wooden urns, you will need to turn the urn upside down and unscrew the base. Stone urns may also have screw-off plugs at the base, which can be removed without a screwdriver. Traditional curved urns usually have a screw-on top and do not need to be turned upside down.
Once you have removed the screws or seal, gently pull off the lid, being careful not to damage the urn.
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Removing the plastic bag
The cremated remains are usually placed in a thick polyethylene bag that is inside a sturdy cardboard box, plastic box, or plastic temporary urn. The bag is sealed or closed with a tight tie on both ends.
To remove the plastic bag from the box, you will need to open the box. Many plastic cremation containers have a visibly protruding circle on one end that can be pried open with a flathead screwdriver or another similar tool. If you are dealing with a wooden cremation box, you may need to remove several small screws from the bottom of the receptacle to lift or slide out the bottom panel.
Once the box is open, you can remove the sealed plastic bag from within. If you intend to pour the ashes into an urn, cut a diagonal hole in one corner of the bag to create a spout for pouring. Place a funnel into the opening of the urn and slowly pour the ashes through the funnel. Gently tap the funnel against the urn to settle the ashes, and then place the lid on the urn and close it tightly.
If you do not wish to pour the ashes into an urn, you can simply place the entire sealed bag inside a cremation urn, box, or memorial chest of sufficient size.
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Sealing the urn
Sealing an urn is a personal decision, and there are no rules stating that you must or must not seal an urn. However, if you feel more comfortable securing the urn, you can use an adhesive.
When sealing an urn, it is important to work in an area that is stable and free from wind or cross currents to avoid spillage. It is also recommended to place a newspaper or towel underneath the urn to catch any spills.
If the ashes are in a plastic bag, you can simply place the bag into the urn and seal it with the lid. Some urns may require you to remove the bag and pour the ashes directly into the urn. In this case, you can use a funnel to help with the transfer.
Once the ashes are in the urn, you can seal it using various methods depending on the type of urn:
- Metal urns can be permanently sealed using a silicone epoxy or metal glue.
- Wooden urns can be sealed using wood glue or super glue, in addition to tightening the screws.
- Stone urns are typically closed with a rubber gasket or o-ring and do not require sealant.
- Marble urns have openings at the bottom secured with a threaded plug, which can be screwed tight and sealed with silicone epoxy.
- Mosaic jadestone urns also have threaded plugs that can be sealed with silicone epoxy.
- Paper urns are held together by a paper sleeve and do not require additional sealing.
Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results when sealing an urn.
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Scattering the ashes
Location
Timing
Consider the time of day for the ceremony. If you're holding a water scattering ceremony at dusk or after nightfall, you could place flowers and candles in baskets and float them in the water. Ensure that the ingredients are environmentally friendly and won't harm wildlife.
Poems, songs, and notes
Including poems, songs, or letters in the ceremony is a lovely way to celebrate the life of your loved one. You can read or sing during the ceremony or at the exact moment the ashes are being scattered. Writing a goodbye note expressing your feelings of love and grief can also be therapeutic, and you can bury it along with the ashes.
Releasing butterflies
For a memorable and symbolic touch, consider releasing butterflies into the air during the ceremony. This represents freedom, harmony, and the transition from life to the afterlife. It also contributes to the pollination of flowers and the growth of nature.
Lantern ceremony
Personalising lanterns and choosing a special location for a lantern ceremony can be a serene and beautiful way to scatter the ashes.
Scattering tubes
Consider purchasing scattering tubes to help carry and scatter the ashes in a more ergonomic and elegant way.
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Burying the urn
Burying an urn is a delicate process that requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process of burying the urn:
Selecting an Appropriate Urn
Firstly, it is important to select an appropriate urn for burial. You can purchase an urn from a funeral home, directly from a manufacturer, or from an online marketplace. Consider the material of the urn, as some cemeteries have policies regarding the type of urn that can be buried. For example, green cemeteries may only allow all-natural products without synthetic glues, stains, or metal components.
Preparing the Ashes
Before transferring the ashes to the urn, ensure that you have the necessary tools and a safe, clean workspace. Funeral homes typically provide cremated remains in a sealed plastic bag within a sturdy cardboard box or temporary urn. If the ashes are in a sealed plastic bag, cut a diagonal hole in one corner to create a spout for controlled pouring. Alternatively, if the urn has a large opening, you may choose to place the entire sealed bag of ashes inside.
If you plan to bury the urn in a cemetery, it is essential to contact the cemetery staff and inquire about their specific rules and regulations. Some cemeteries may require the urn to be enclosed in a burial vault or urn vault to support the surrounding soil and prevent collapse. The depth of burial can vary, with most cemeteries burying urns approximately 3 feet deep, but it is important to confirm this with the cemetery.
You may choose to bury the urn on your private property, such as your backyard, with permission. In this case, a general guideline is to bury the urn at least 3 feet deep. Before burying, always contact your local utility companies to ensure you don't interfere with electrical or gas lines. Consider marking the burial site with a plaque, a bench, a garden, or a tree to commemorate the spot.
Handling Logistics
If you plan to hold a burial ceremony with a large number of attendees, consider the logistics of hosting, including parking, seating, and other accommodations. If the gathering is too large, you may opt to hold the ceremony at a rented public venue and perform the burial privately at a later time.
Remember to treat the cremated remains with respect and honour throughout the entire process.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic cremation containers usually have a visibly protruding circle on one end. You can use a flathead screwdriver or another similar tool to pry open this circle.
You can transfer the ashes to a more suitable receptacle such as an urn. You can also scatter the ashes at a significant location.
You can place the entire sealed plastic bag inside the urn. If you want to pour the ashes directly into the urn, do so indoors and away from fans. You can also cut a diagonal hole in one corner of the sealed plastic bag to create a spout and pour the ashes into the urn using a funnel.
You can use household caulk or glue to seal the urn.
No, it is perfectly legal to open an urn. However, remember that the urn contains a person's final remains, so handle the contents with respect.
