If your loved one had to have an orthopaedic implant during their lifetime you may wonder what happens to it after cremation.
Until recently it was accepted practice to take the implant from the remains and place it with other implants until there was sufficient amount of metal to dispose of it all in the grounds of the Crematorium.
This has become less acceptable on environmental grounds over the years and on the Continent the recycling of metals that are in the cremated remains following the cremation have been recycled for a number of years.
The metal used for implants are special medical grade stainless steel, titanium and cobalt chrome all produced from non renewable resources.
Over time these resources will de depleted and such metals will become less available for such operation in the future.
The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) have identified a means of collecting metal from participating Crematoria throughout the UK and Guildford Crematorium has decided to look to the future and the protection of our environment.
In future metals will be collected by the ICCM and recycled. Any monies that may collect in this process will then be donated to bereavement related charities like Cancer Research and the Heart Foundation. We hope you agree that this not only protects the environment but provides potential benefits for the living.
Guildford Crematorium will not do this without your permission. However, we are amending our cremation forms to seek your consent prior to the metals being placed for recycling.
If you do not wish the metals to be recycled then we are happy to return them to you or leave them in the cremated remains. If they are left in the remains, however, the remains will need to be buried rather than scattered.
Other metals may also be collected at the same time including ferrous metals, mainly from the nails in the coffin, and some very small granules of precious metals. These precious metals usually vaporise in the cremator, but there are sometimes very small granules that may be left with the cremated remains.
Some questions and answers have been included below that may help in your decision.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have the metals buried?
Only if you leave the metals in the remains and have then all buried together.
Why can't you just continue the way it was?
The law now says that if we continue then there may have to be extensive changes to how the metals are buried. The environmental benefits mean it is time for a change.
Can I have any gold or silver that is reclaimed?
Unfortunately not, these metals will melt and combine with ash and could be dispersed widely within the cremated remains. We strongly recommend all gold and silver is removed prior to cremation.
Do the implants get re-used for other patients?
Unfortunately. They are too badly damaged for re-use to be allowed. They are smelted down into granules before being re-used in other industries.
Can I have the implant back?
Yes, just let your Funeral Director know and arrangements will be made.
Why the sudden change in policy?
Recycling is environmentally friendly and provides real benefits to charities here in Great Britain.
Together, we can do something positive and really worthwhile.
Guildford Crematorium
Bereavement Services
New Pond Road
Godalming
Surrey
GU7 3DB
Tel: 01483 444711
Fax: 01483 444745
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