What is a biodegradable urn?

Learn about biodegradable urns – an eco-friendly alternative to traditional urns.

What is a biodegradable urn?

An urn is a receptacle used to contain human ashes after cremation. A biodegradable urn – also known as an "eco urn" – is an urn that's manufactured so it breaks down naturally in the soil. This minimises the impact the urn has on the environment.


Biodegradable urns are often used by people who want an eco-friendly burial. They're free from toxins and chemicals. And unlike traditional urns, they eventually leave no trace in the soil or the water.

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What are biodegradable urns made of?

Biodegradable urns are made out of lots of different, mostly naturally occurring materials. These include:

  • Sand
  • Salt
  • Plant-based gelatin
  • Cornstarch
  • Plant-based resins
  • Bamboo
  • Paper (including recycled paper and handmade paper)
  • Seagrass
  • Clay
  • Tree bark
  • Wool fibre
  • Compacted peat
  • Coconut shells

All of these materials decompose naturally, returning to the soil and leaving no trace. For some, this makes them an eco-friendly and appealing alternative to traditional urns.

Traditional urns, by contrast, are typically made from wood, ceramic, stone or metal. They're built  to last a long time, whether above or below ground.

How much does a biodegradable urn cost?

Prices vary significantly. Online, there are some as affordable as £20 and some costing £200 or more.


While this is a similar price point to a traditional urn, it's much more affordable than a coffin or casket (even the biodegradable varieties).



Alongside their eco-friendly qualities, this economic factor is one reason why more and more people are using biodegradable urns to contain the ashes of their loved ones.

Biodegradable urn FAQs

  • What is the difference between a biodegradable and a non-biodegradable urn?

    The main difference between a biodegradable and non-biodegradable urn is that one decomposes naturally and one doesn't.


    The other difference is that non-biodegradable urns are usually designed to be long-lasting, whether they're kept at home or at a gravesite.


    The other big difference is that some non-biodegradable urns can be bad for the environment. Plastic and some metals can contaminate the environment. Moreover, the manufacture and disposal of these materials are carbon-intensive.

  • What are biodegradable urns made from?

    Biodegradable urns are made from a range of organic materials which break down naturally in the soil. This includes bamboo, seagrass, cornstarch and recycled paper among many others.

  • Can biodegradable urns be put in water?

    Yes. Biodegradable urns are designed to decompose when submerged in water. For this reason, they're made from materials like rock salt, paper or a combination of sand and plant-based gelatin. They are manufactured to float briefly before sinking and dissolving.

  • What is an eco urn?

    An "eco urn" is another name for a biodegradable urn. It decomposes naturally in the soil or in the water, releasing the ashes into the natural environment.

  • Can pet ashes be put in a biodegradable urn?

    Yes, pet ashes can be put in either a biodegradable urn or a traditional urn.

  • How long do biodegradable urns take to decompose?

    Biodegradable urns can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years to decompose. It depends on the material used, how deep the urn has been buried and whether it was buried in land or water.


    A biodegradable urn designed for land burial, for instance, can take years to decompose, depending on the soil conditions and the material used.


    Urns designed for water burial, however, are designed to dissolve quickly. This can be a case of hours or days. The more active the water, the more quickly the urn will dissolve.

  • What constitutes an urn?

    An urn is a container used to hold the ashes of a cremated person. It's often, but not always, in the shape of a vase.

  • Can anything be used as an urn?

    Yes, anything can be used as an urn. However, if you want the urn to decompose, you'll want a biodegradable material. If you want it to last, you should use a traditional material like wood, metal or ceramic.

  • Are human ashes biodegradable?

    No, human ashes aren't biodegradable. They are, however, fine enough not to leave an obvious trace in the soil or the water.

  • Will a biodegradable urn sink?

    Biodegradable urns for water burial, made from paper, salt or another natural material, are designed to float briefly. This gives people time to say goodbye before the urn sinks and dissolves, returning the ashes to nature.

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