Alexei Volkov
Opening a plastic temporary cremation container can be a daunting task, especially during a difficult time. It's important to handle your loved one's ashes with care and respect. Most temporary cremation containers are simply boxes with a lid that can be opened with a flathead screwdriver or any other suitable tool. Some containers may have a protruding circle that needs to be pried open, while others may have lids sealed with epoxy. If you're unsure about the process, it's always best to seek assistance from a funeral home or crematorium. Once the container is opened, you can carefully transfer the ashes to a permanent urn or another memorial vessel of your choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To hold cremated remains after cremation is complete |
| Composition | Plastic or cardboard boxes |
| Contents | Ashes, usually placed in a plastic bag |
| Opening method | Prise open with a tool such as a flathead screwdriver |
| Transferring ashes | Use a small piece of cardboard or thick paper rolled into a cone to create a funnel |
| Safety | Wear gloves if desired |
| Assistance | Ask the funeral home or crematorium for help |
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What You'll Learn
Ask the funeral home for advice on opening methods
If you are unsure about how to open a plastic temporary cremation container, it is best to ask the funeral home for advice on the best method. Funeral homes and crematoria are accustomed to handing over cremated remains in temporary urns, and they will be able to advise on the best way to open the container they have provided.
The containers themselves may vary from place to place, and the funeral home will be able to advise on the specific type they have provided. For example, some containers may have a visibly protruding circle on the end that can be pried open with a flat-head screwdriver or another similar tool. Others may have a lid that can be opened in the same way as a regular plastic box. Some urns may be glued with epoxy, and the funeral home can advise on how to open these safely.
The funeral home will also be able to advise on how to handle the ashes once the container is open. For example, they may suggest placing the entire plastic bag of ashes into an urn to avoid spilling. They can also advise on transferring ashes into keepsake urns or jewellery, which can be a more complex process due to their smaller size.
Asking the funeral home for advice is a good way to ensure that you open the container safely and with minimal stress. They are experienced in handling cremated remains and will be able to provide guidance on the best way to open and handle the temporary container.
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Pry open the visibly protruding circle with a flathead screwdriver
When it comes to opening a plastic cremation container, it's important to proceed with care and attention. While the process may vary slightly depending on the specific design of the container, one common method involves prying open a visibly protruding circle, often found on one end of the receptacle. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through this process:
Firstly, locate the visibly protruding circle on the plastic cremation container. This circle is typically quite prominent and should be easy to identify. It is designed to provide a convenient way to open the container and access the ashes within. Once you have identified this circular protrusion, gather a flathead screwdriver. This type of screwdriver, with its straight and narrow blade, is particularly well-suited for prying open the circle.
Position the flathead screwdriver carefully against the protruding circle. Ensure that the blade of the screwdriver is firmly inserted along the edge of the circle, providing leverage to initiate the prying process. Apply gentle force to the screwdriver, using it as a lever to slowly pry open the circle. It is important to work carefully and deliberately, avoiding any abrupt or forceful movements that could damage the container or compromise the integrity of its contents.
As you gently pry, you should feel the circle beginning to loosen. With steady pressure, continue working your way around the circumference of the circle, gradually opening it wider. This process may require some patience, as you want to ensure that the circle opens evenly on all sides. Take your time and make sure that you maintain control throughout the process.
Once the circle has been sufficiently pried open, you should be able to carefully detach the two halves of the plastic cremation container. This separation will expose the ashes of your loved one, allowing you to transfer them to a more permanent receptacle, such as a decorative urn or keepsake jewellery. Remember to handle the ashes with care and respect, following any relevant guidelines provided by funeral professionals or crematorium staff.
By following these steps and focusing on safety and precision, you can successfully open the plastic temporary cremation container. This process allows you to respectfully handle the ashes of your loved one and prepare them for their final resting place or other commemorative use.
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Decanting ashes into a permanent urn
Prepare the Workspace
Select a quiet, private area that is well-lit, clean, and free from distractions. It is important to avoid any strong drafts or open windows to prevent accidental scattering of the ashes. Cover your workspace with a newspaper or towel to catch any spilled ashes and provide a stable, flat surface for the process.
Gather the Required Tools and Materials
You will need a funnel, a flat-headed or Phillips screwdriver (depending on the urn type), the plastic cremation box containing the ashes, and the permanent urn you have chosen. If the ashes are in a sealed plastic bag, you may also need a pair of scissors or a sharp tool to carefully open the bag.
Open the Containers
Gently pry open the plastic cremation container using a flat-headed screwdriver. Avoid using sharp tools like knives to prevent accidental damage or spillage. If the ashes are in a sealed plastic bag, open the bag carefully by cutting a diagonal hole in one corner to create a small spout for controlled pouring. Open the permanent urn and ensure it is placed on a flat, stable surface, ready to receive the ashes.
Decant the Ashes
Place the funnel into the opening of the permanent urn. Carefully tip the plastic cremation box over the funnel and begin pouring the ashes gently. If you are working with a sealed plastic bag, place the funnel directly into the bag and guide the ashes into the urn. Once the ashes start falling, continue pouring until the cremation box or bag is completely empty.
Finalize the Process
Remove the funnel and carefully close the lid of the permanent urn tightly. You can choose to seal the urn with glue or sealant if desired, especially if you intend to embed the urn in a memorial artwork or sculpture. However, caulk is recommended over glue for its simplicity in removal if you ever need to reopen the urn.
Remember, you can always seek assistance from crematorium personnel, funeral planners, or a trusted friend if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about any part of the process.
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Transferring ashes into keepsake urns or jewellery urns
Transferring the ashes of a loved one into a keepsake urn or jewellery urn can be an emotional experience. It is important to be cautious and well-prepared to avoid spilling the ashes. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Firstly, gather your supplies: a flathead screwdriver or a similar tool, a shallow bowl or plate, a funnel, a display urn or jewellery urn, and gloves and a mask (optional). If you are using a jewellery urn, it may come with a funnel and transfer kit. Alternatively, you can make your own funnel by rolling a piece of cardboard or stiff paper into a cone and taping it.
Next, prepare your workspace. Spread a towel or newspaper on a flat, level surface in a well-lit area. Ensure there is no wind or breeze from an open window. Place your display urn or jewellery urn on the prepared surface, along with the rest of your supplies.
Now, it's time to open the plastic cremation container. Most containers have a visibly protruding circle on one end. Use your tool to carefully pry open this circle. Once opened, you will find the ashes inside a sealed plastic bag.
Remove the sealed bag of ashes from the container. If your chosen urn has a wide opening and is large enough to accommodate the bag, you can place the entire bag into the urn without spilling the ashes.
If your urn has a small opening, you will need to pour the ashes directly into it. Cut a small hole in a corner of the plastic bag and slowly pour the ashes into the urn, using the funnel to avoid spilling. If you are sharing the ashes with others, this step may be more challenging as you will need to divide the ashes into smaller portions.
Once the transfer is complete, seal the urn if desired. You can use glue or super glue on the rim of the urn and the lid to secure it. Allow the glue to dry before storing or displaying the urn.
Remember, you can always ask a trusted friend or family member to help you with this process, and funeral homes often have professionals who can assist or provide guidance.
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What to do with the ashes after opening the container
Once you have opened the plastic cremation container, you will be exposed to your loved one's ashes. You can then transfer them to a more permanent vessel, such as an urn. If you have purchased an urn directly from the funeral home or cremation company, they may do this for you.
To transfer the ashes yourself, you will need a funnel and a sealed plastic bag to contain the ashes. Place the empty urn on a flat surface and insert the funnel into its opening. Cut a diagonal hole in one corner of the plastic bag to create a spout, then pour the ashes slowly through the funnel into the urn. Gently tap the funnel to settle the ashes, before placing the lid on the urn and closing it tightly.
There are many options for what to do with the ashes after they have been transferred to a permanent vessel. You may wish to keep the urn in your family home, a columbarium, or a crypt. Alternatively, you can bury the ashes in a cemetery, either in a specific urn garden or another landscape such as beneath a rock or a bench. You can also scatter the ashes in a meaningful location, such as your loved one's favourite place, or send them to space.
If you would like to keep your loved one close, you can place a small amount of their ashes into a piece of memorial jewellery, a cuddly toy, or even incorporate them into a tattoo. You can also transform your loved one's ashes into a tree by planting them with a seed in a biodegradable urn.
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Frequently asked questions
Most temporary cremation containers are simply boxes with a lid. Many have a visibly protruding circle on the end that can be pried open with a flathead screwdriver or any other tool. If the lid has been glued with epoxy, you can soak a cotton swab in acetone or epoxy solvent and run it along the seal.
If the ashes are in a plastic bag, you can place the entire bag inside an urn. If not, be careful when pouring the ashes into an urn. Do this indoors away from any fans, with a mat or tray to catch any spilled ashes.
You can purchase keepsake jewellery, such as necklaces, rings or wristbands, which are designed to hold a small portion of ashes. Alternatively, you can scatter the ashes in their favourite place.
Undertaking the process of transferring ashes can help provide closure after losing a loved one. However, if you feel uncomfortable, crematorium personnel and funeral planners are professionals who are well-versed in how to transfer ashes.
