Know the Rules Before You Scatter
If scattering is on your mind, this section matters. Scattering ashes is legal in many locations across the United States, provided you follow the applicable rules for that specific location. Legal scattering locations include ocean waters beyond three nautical miles from shore, private land with the owner’s permission, national parks with a permit, and some state parks with authorization.
For ocean scattering, the rules are federal and clear. The EPA governs sea-based ash scatterings under the, and according to federal regulations, ashes must be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore. If you’re using a container or urn for the scattering ceremony, it must be made of biodegradable materials. Within 30 days of scattering ashes at sea, you must file a Burial at Sea Reporting Form with the EPA. Unlike non-cremated burials at sea, scattering cremated ashes requires no advance permit from the EPA. The 30-day notification is the only required paperwork at the federal level. You can submit this notification through
For national parks, scattering without a permit violates federal regulations and can result in a citation with fines ranging from $100 to $5,000 depending on the severity and location. The good news is that the parks that attract the most memorial visits – Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains – are accustomed to these requests. Their ranger offices process them regularly and are generally accommodating.
As of 2026, no state prohibits scattering on private land with the property owner’s permission. For public land, rivers, and state parks, rules vary significantly by state. Check with your state’s health or environmental agency before making plans.
