What is allowed in the coffin if it’s to be cremated?

Staff and Funeral Directors are often asked what is allowed in the coffin for the cremation? There are many items that are not permitted and many that are, so it’s good for people to know what they can include within the coffin of their loved ones. This is important for the safety of the staff and the environment as many items will create smoke that is emitted into the atmosphere causing distress to people witnessing it.

  1. Coffin Trimmings
    • Coffin Lining- No materials containing poly-vinyl chloride (PVC). On combustion, chlorinated compounds can form hazardous poisons that are toxic at low levels and may be carcinogenic.
    • Sheets, Pillows & Mattresses – No innerspring and/or latex-based rubber mattresses. No materials containing PVC.
    • Coffin Hardware – All fittings to be fixed using ferrous (magnet attracting) screws and nails.
  2. Body Coverings
      • Body wrap/bag – Materials containing poly-vinyl acetate are acceptable. No PVC materials.
      • Shroud – Acceptable
      • Clothing – No outer garments made wholly or principally of latex-based rubber or plastic. eg. wet weather gear, fishing waders, wet suits.
      • Footwear – No rubber/plastic soles or uppers of shoes, sandals, slippers, etc. No work boots, military boots, gumboots or similar.

3. Surgical Implants

  • Cardiac defibrillator, battery powered – Not acceptable
  • Cardiac Pacemaker, battery powered – Not acceptable
  • Drug infusion pump – Not acceptable
  • Irradiated metal pellets – Not acceptable
  • Embalming or temporary preservative fluid – Acceptable
  • Radio-active injectable solutions – Acceptable
  • Metal joints, pins, plates – Acceptable
  • Silicone implants – Acceptable
  • Dental work including false teeth – Acceptable

4. Bodily Appliances

  • Prosthetic limbs – Prosthetic limbs and calipers may include significant metal components and plaster casts may include metal mesh.
  • Calipers & Plaster Casts – It is recommended that Funeral Directors discuss with the crematorium authority as early as practical:
    1. Whether the particular bodily appliances will be accepted in the coffin for cremation and if appropriate,
    2. the extent of body coverage by any plaster cast

5. Personal Effects

  • Spectacles & jewellery – Not recommended but acceptable
  • Handbags – Not recommended but acceptable if not PVC.
  • Handbag contents – Not recommended but acceptable depending on the materials.
  • Metal walking stick – Not acceptable

6. Acceptable Extraneous Items

The following extraneous items ONLY are acceptable for inclusion in the coffin:

  • A single book
  • Photographs without metal frames or glass
  • Any other materials comprised entirely of readily combustible materials which DO NOT:
    1. explode when subjected to heat
    2. upon combustion generate temperatures, emissions, or residues which are unacceptable to the crematorium authority or the relevant Environment Protection Agency.

7. Unacceptable Extraneous Items

The following extraneous items are unacceptable for inclusion in the coffin:

  • Any items containing poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) and latex-based rubber
  • Any items containing metal or glass, other than those deemed acceptable (see previous lists)
  • Pathological waste (including infection-control gear, syringes, gauze) and materials used in preparation of the body.
  • Fluid on any container, including a bottle or can of alcoholic drink.
  • Any item which explodes when subjected to heat such as:
  • Any battery (whether or not implanted in the body)
  • a pressurised device
  • aerosol can
  • gas cylinder
  • The body of an animal or bird, or the cremated remains thereof.
  • Any book, paper or paper products, other than those defined above and shredded paper in pillows and mattresses.
  • Any other items which does not meet the requirements above.

This information has come from the Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association. Please contact your Funeral Director or the Gippsland Memorial Park if you have any questions.