Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice in the UK for end-of-life arrangements, with over 75% of people opting for cremation over traditional burial. It’s a respectful and dignified way to say goodbye to loved ones, but many may not be aware of what happens during the process.

In this article, we take a step-by-step look at how cremation works in the UK, from the point of arrival at a crematorium to the final retrieval of ashes.

 

Arrival at the Crematorium

When a deceased person is scheduled for cremation, the body typically arrives at the crematorium in a coffin. The crematorium will receive the coffin either on the day of the funeral service or prior to it, depending on the arrangements. UK law requires that the coffin be cremated along with the body, and every cremation must be done individually.

Once the coffin arrives, the crematorium staff will log the details of the deceased and assign a unique identification number or metal tag. This is crucial for ensuring that the ashes returned to the family belong solely to their loved one. This identification process is strictly regulated in the UK by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA) and the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) to prevent any mix-ups.

 

Preparation of the Coffin

Before the actual cremation, the coffin undergoes a few checks. Any plastic fittings, metals, or other non-combustible materials that could interfere with the cremation process are removed. For instance, handles or decorative items on the coffin may be taken off if they could produce harmful emissions or affect the efficiency of the cremation chamber. However, the integrity of the coffin remains intact, as it is considered part of the deceased’s remains.

The coffin is then placed onto a conveyor or platform and prepared to be moved into the cremation chamber.

 

The Cremation Chamber

A cremation chamber, also known as a retort, is a highly sophisticated and temperature-controlled furnace lined with heat-resistant bricks. The chamber is preheated to temperatures between 800°C and 1000°C before the cremation process begins. Once the chamber reaches the correct temperature, the coffin is placed inside using a motorized trolley or sliding mechanism.

During the cremation, the intense heat breaks down the body and coffin into basic elements, primarily bone fragments and gases. The gases, which are mostly water vapor and carbon dioxide, are filtered and released through an exhaust system. Modern UK crematoriums are equipped with filtration systems that comply with environmental regulations, ensuring emissions are safe and within legal limits.

 

The Cremation Process

The actual cremation typically takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours, though it may vary depending on the size of the individual and the materials used in the coffin. Throughout the process, the crematorium staff monitor the chamber to ensure that everything is proceeding smoothly.

Once the cremation is complete, what remains are mostly bone fragments. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not ash that is left, but bone that has not fully combusted. The temperature and time involved in the cremation are specifically calibrated to break down organic matter while leaving behind the skeletal remains.

 

Removal and Processing of Ashes

Once the cremation cycle is over, the chamber is allowed to cool for a short period, and the remains are then removed. Using a special tool called a cremulator rake, the crematorium technician carefully sweeps the remains from the chamber.

The bone fragments are then passed through a machine called a cremulator. This device processes the remains into a fine, sand-like consistency, which is more in line with what we traditionally think of as “ashes.” The ashes are light grey or white in colour and are typically reduced to a volume of 2 to 3 kilograms, depending on the size of the person.

 

Metal Recovery

During the cremation, any metal implants or prosthetics, such as hip replacements or dental fillings, will not burn. After the cremation, these metals are removed using a magnetic process or manually extracted. In the UK, many crematoriums participate in recycling schemes where the recovered metal is recycled, with proceeds often going to charity.

It’s important to note that these metals are not returned with the ashes. Families can request that specific items, such as jewellery or gold fillings, be removed before the cremation, although gold melts at a lower temperature and is typically lost during the process.

 

Ashes and Final Presentation

Once the ashes have been processed and cooled, they are placed into a temporary container, such as a simple urn or box, and labelled with the unique identification number given at the start of the process. At this point, the ashes are ready to be returned to the family.

In the UK, there are a variety of options for families regarding what they can do with the ashes. Some choose to scatter them in a meaningful place, whether that be a favourite spot of the deceased or a designated scattering area at the crematorium. Others may opt for burial in an urn or even to keep them at home in a decorative container. There are also creative options like having the ashes turned into jewellery, memorial glass, or even biodegradable urns that grow into trees.

 

Legal and Environmental Considerations

The entire cremation process in the UK is tightly regulated to ensure transparency, environmental responsibility, and dignity. Crematoria must adhere to strict emission controls under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and guidance from the FBCA and ICCM. Furthermore, cremation records are meticulously kept, and there are clear procedures for handling ashes and personal identification throughout the process.

 

Conclusion

Cremation in the UK is a highly regulated, respectful, and environmentally-conscious process. It involves several stages, from the arrival at the crematorium to the retrieval of ashes, ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity. For many families, understanding the technical details of cremation can provide comfort, knowing that their loved one is being cared for in a thoughtful and transparent manner.

Whether you are planning a cremation for a loved one or pre-arranging your own funeral, being informed about how cremation works can help you make meaningful and personal decisions about this important rite of passage.