Is It Legal To Spread A Loved One’s Ashes Anywhere In Texas?

I think we can all agree that losing a loved one hurts. It's an emotionally challenging time, and honoring our loved one's memory in a meaningful way is important to many of us. In Texas, one popular way people choose to memorialize their loved ones is by spreading their ashes in a special place.

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I was reading The Living Urn; their blog contains information on everything from the cost of cremation to guidelines for spreading ashes in Texas. Before you decide to take this step, it's critical to understand the legal aspects.

LOOK: IS IT LEGAL TO SPREAD A LOVED ONE'S ASHES ANYWHERE IN TEXAS?

In the Lone Star State, there is good news for those wanting to scatter a loved one's ashes. The law is generally flexible and allows folks to scatter ashes in several places. However, there are some guidelines and considerations to bear in mind.

First, if you're thinking of scattering ashes on private property, you must obtain permission from the property owner. The last thing you want to do is trespass or violate any private property rights.

The rules are a bit more relaxed in public spaces, but you should still be in the know. In Texas, there isn’t a specific state law that forbids the scattering of ashes in public areas, but it's always a good idea to check with local city or county regulations.

If your loved one had a favorite lake, river, or other body of water in Texas, you might consider scattering their ashes there. The Clean Water Act doesn't prohibit scattering ashes in freshwater systems or the sea. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends scattering ashes at least three nautical miles from the shore.

Finally, if you're considering scattering ashes in a national park in Texas, like Big Bend National Park, you'll need to secure a permit. Each national park has its own set of regulations. Contact the specific park for more details.

Texas gives families and those wishing to scatter the ashes of a loved one a great deal of freedom. While the act is generally permissible, you must respect private property rights and follow specific location guidelines to avoid getting in trouble. That way, you can ensure your tribute to a loved one is meaningful and respectful.

Take a look below at some folks you may know who we lost in 2023.