Collecting Cremated Remains

For many of our families the experience of collecting a loved one’s ashes is unfamiliar and daunting, so we’ve put together some information to help provide a little bit of a picture as to what to expect.

Collecting a loved one’s ashes after cremation is as simple as calling our customer care team and booking a 30 minute collection appointment between Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. Other times may be accommodated on request.

When can ashes be collected?

Ashes can be collected in person after a minimum of 48 hours after cremation.

Please note that we are experiencing unprecedented volumes at the moment so there is a 2 week wait for appointments.

What happens at a collection appointment?

Please ensure you attend with some form of current photo ID with you on the day as it’s a requirement of SMCT (who is governed by the The Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003) to ensure that we have done our due diligence in ensuring we are releasing the ashes to the authorised person.

Before we release the ashes, our customer care consultant will verify the details of the person collecting the ashes against the Application for Cremation Authorisation paperwork to ensure they are the authorised person.

If you are the authorised person but would like another person to collect the ashes on your behalf, you will need to provide written and signed permission.

Once verified, the ashes will be handed over in a plastic urn within a presentation box and we will provide a carry bag for the ashes. Our customer care consultant will explain how to open the urn should you want to scatter the ashes and also answer any other questions you may have. You may wish to book another appointment to discuss cremation memorial or urn options. We have a display of various urns in our crematorium collection room and online.