Grave Recycling: Is a Final Resting Place Really That Final?

A cemetery plot is considered to be a person's final resting place, however, this isn't the case in many countries. It may be a little unsettling to think of a grave as a temporary resting place, but this is what happens when grave recycling is practiced. But what is it, and how might it affect your plans for burial?

Uncommon in the US

If you're unfamiliar with the concept of grave recycling, it's because it isn't especially common in the United States. It's standard practice in other countries. Grave recycling is a reaction to a space shortage. There simply isn't enough space in many existing cemeteries across the world. As such, instead of a cemetery plot being permanent, it's only offered as a fixed-term lease.

How Grave Recycling Works

The length of this lease varies considerably. It may only be a few years, or it may be decades. This allows the deceased to be buried in the cemetery of their choice, even if it's not permanent. When the lease expires, the grave is exhumed and its headstone is removed. The remains may then be buried at another location, interred in an ossuary, or even cremated with the ashes then presented to any remaining family members. Remember that grave recycling may not happen until decades after death, meaning that anyone who wanted to visit the grave might have also passed away.

Burial in a Municipal or State Cemetery

While it's standard practice in many places, it's not generally a concern in the US, with a few notable exceptions. In most cases, being interred in a municipal or state cemetery is permanent—guaranteed for as long as the cemetery is in operation. You can rest assured that your final resting place (or that of a loved one) is indeed permanent. However, this isn't necessarily the case in religious cemeteries.

Burial in a Religious Cemetery

When considering a plot in a religious cemetery, it's advisable to ask if grave recycling is practiced. Religious cemeteries are hallowed ground, meaning they have been consecrated (or blessed) by religious leaders of the applicable faith. For some people, burial in hallowed ground is a fundamental element of their faith, however, there is only finite hallowed ground available. This is why some religious cemeteries may only offer temporary interment, allowing anyone who wishes to be buried in hallowed ground the opportunity to do so—even if it's not forever. Please note that all religious cemeteries don't automatically recycle graves. If you plan to be buried in such a cemetery, enquire whether grave recycling is currently utilized, or if there are any plans to do so in the future.

Unless burial is to take place in a religious cemetery, grave recycling isn't standard in the US. Even then, religious cemeteries don't necessarily use the practice, but it's important to clarify this important point. If you have more questions, contact a local state cemetery.

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