If you plan on burying the cremated remains of a loved one, you may need a burial urn. While not legally mandated in most places, many cemeteries require urn burial containers. The container prevents the ground over the urn from sinking if the urn breaks down under the soil.
Permanent burial urns are large enough to hold an urn inside. They can be made of polystyrene, steel, fiberglass, polymer, and other materials that will not biodegrade or break down in the soil.
Burying an Urn
When an urn is buried in the ground, it's exposed to moisture and pressure from the surrounding soil. Many urns – particularly those made of wood, ceramic, or glass – can be damaged when they are buried, since they are not made for this purpose. These decorative urns need extra protection to keep them secure. If the urn breaks, not only will the contents be exposed and possibly lost, but it can also leave an unattractive depression in the soil.
Burial containers for ashes are made specifically to hold an urn inside. These cremation urns for burial are made of materials like polymers and steel that are sturdy enough to support the weight of the soil and are not damaged by water. Any type of urn can be placed inside, and it will be protected from the elements. In addition, many burial containers have a little extra space so that additional mementos can be added.
Urn burial containers usually include a plaque that can be engraved with the name of the deceased, dates of birth and death, and an epitaph or brief message. Cemeteries often require that the container be clearly labeled so that there is no question about who the cremains belong to.