Prohibited Items in Cremation: Safety & Environment Guide
Understanding Cremation and What Can Be Included
Choosing cremation is a personal decision, and for many families it offers a simple, meaningful way to say goodbye. Whether the farewell is private or followed by a memorial later on, cremation allows families the time and space to honour their loved one in their own way.
Alongside caring for the practical arrangements, one question often comes up: what can be placed with a loved one during cremation? While personal items can be important, there are safety and environmental guidelines that all crematoriums must follow.
What is a Standard Cremation Service
Every family’s needs are different, which is why we offer a range of cremation options. Whether you’re looking for simplicity or a more traditional farewell, our team is here to guide you with care and clarity.
You can learn more about each option here:
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Direct Cremation – A simple, unattended cremation with no formal service, giving families the freedom to farewell their loved one privately or hold a memorial at a later time.
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Basic Cremation – A straightforward and affordable cremation option that includes essential care and support, while allowing families flexibility in how and when they choose to remember their loved one.
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Traditional Cremation – A cremation service that includes a funeral or memorial gathering, providing family and friends the opportunity to come together, and honour a life well lived.
Prohibited Items for Cremation
Crematoriums have strict rules about what can and cannot be placed with the deceased. These restrictions exist to protect staff, equipment, and the environment, and are required under health and safety regulations.
While we understand the desire to include personal belongings, certain items are not permitted.
General Prohibited Items
- any liquids or empty bottles
- volatile products, aerosol, lighters and flammables etc
- leathers and helmets
- flags
- money
- jewellery and watches
- animals (other ashes)
- illegal substances
Household & Personal Items
- mattresses
- prosthetic limbs
- soft toys (over 300mm in length)
- sporting equipment (wet suits, surfboards, golf clubs)
- picture frames and glass
Explosives & Electronics
- ammunition or explosive material (like guns and bullets)
- electronic devices (like anything with a battery, mobile phones, pacemakers)
Tools & Equipment
- die cast metals, aluminum and copper
- gardening equipment (like spades, forks, etc)
- pitch/roading materials (like tar, bitumen, asphalt, resin)
- PVC in all forms (like gumboots made from PVC and rubber)
- sawdust
Packaging & Materials
- books or excessive amounts of paper
- polystyrene or products containing polystyrene foam
- flower arrangement bases
Why Are Some Items Not Allowed?
Cremation takes place at extremely high temperatures. Certain materials can explode, release harmful fumes, or damage cremation equipment. Items containing batteries, pressurised components, plastics, or heavy metals are especially dangerous.
These restrictions are not about limiting personal choice — they are in place to ensure the cremation process remains safe, respectful, and environmentally responsible.
What If You Were Hoping to Include Something?
If there is an item that feels meaningful to you but appears on the prohibited list, we are always happy to talk through alternatives. Many families choose to:
- keep personal items with the ashes after cremation
- include them in a memorial or celebration of life
- create a keepsake or remembrance piece
Our role is to help you find a way to honour your loved one while ensuring everything proceeds safely and smoothly.
A Gentle Reminder
Cremation policies can vary slightly between crematoriums, but these guidelines are widely shared across New Zealand. Our team will always check requirements on your behalf and guide you through any decisions with care and clarity.
If you have questions about cremation services or what can be included, please reach out. We’re here to support you — before, during, and after the farewell.