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Biodegradable urns

Biodegradable urns are designed to break down in water or soil. Choosing the right one depends on where it will be placed — and the rules that apply there.

Edited by Steven Royster, Licensed Funeral Director (FL) Published October 3, 2026 Updated How we create content

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Key points

  • Water urns float briefly, then sink and dissolve; earth urns break down in soil over time.
  • In U.S. ocean waters, EPA rules require cremated remains to be placed at least three nautical miles from land and reported within 30 days.
  • Cremated remains on their own can be harsh for plants; "tree urns" usually include a soil mix designed for planting.

Types of biodegradable urns

TypeTypical materialsBest for
Water urnsSalt, sand, gelatin, recycled paperBurial at sea or, where permitted, in other waters
Earth urnsRecycled paper, cardboard, plant fiber, bamboo, untreated wood, clayBurial in a cemetery, natural burial ground or private land
Tree and planting urnsBiodegradable shell with a soil or nutrient mix and sometimes a seed or seedlingMemorial planting, where allowed
Scattering tubesRecycled cardboard or paperScattering on land or water

What to check before buying

  • Placement rules. For the ocean, follow the EPA's burial-at-sea requirements (our guide). For lakes, rivers and parks, check state and local rules. For a cemetery or natural burial ground, ask whether they require a specific urn or an urn vault.
  • Capacity. Confirm the urn holds the full remains (often about 200 cubic inches for an adult) if that's what you intend. Some tree urns are designed for a portion. Use the urn size calculator.
  • How it behaves. For water urns, how long it floats before sinking matters for a ceremony. Read the listing for float time and dissolving time.
  • Storage before use. Water urns made of salt or gelatin must be kept dry until the ceremony.
  • Timing. Allow for shipping before a planned scattering or burial date.

A note on planting with ashes

Cremated remains are highly alkaline and high in sodium, which can harm young plants if used on their own. Planting urns typically address this with a soil mixture and by separating the remains from the roots. Follow the product's instructions, and check local rules if planting on public land.

Browse biodegradable urns

These links go to Amazon category searches. We haven't tested individual products; compare capacity and materials and read reviews carefully.

Water burial urns

For ocean ceremonies; check float and dissolve times.

Browse water urns on Amazon

Earth burial urns

For cemetery or natural burial; check the burial ground's requirements.

Browse earth burial urns on Amazon

Tree and planting urns

Look for a soil mix designed for cremated remains.

Browse tree urns on Amazon

Scattering tubes

Paper or cardboard tubes for scattering.

Browse scattering tubes on Amazon

See also: how to choose an urn · burying vs. scattering ashes: costs

Sources and references

  1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Burial at Sea
  2. Green Burial Council (nonprofit): Green Burial Council

Rules, benefit amounts and prices change. Where a source is a government agency, check it directly for current figures. See our sources and fact-checking policy.