Review of technical guidance for crematoriums
- From:
- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Northern Ireland), The Scottish Government
,and Welsh Government- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Northern Ireland), The Scottish Government
- Published
- 9 October 2023
- Last updated
- 4 December 2025 — See all updates
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
Defra received 50 responses, of which 25 responded on behalf of local authorities, 15 from private organisations and 9 by individuals. One reply was made anonymously.
All of the responses have been collated and presented in this report. Where a response to a consultation question showed a high degree of agreement or consensus, no changes are proposed.
Original consultation
Summary
Seeking views on updated guidance for the limiting of emissions from crematoriums.
This consultation
isran beingfrom
ThisOctober consultation closes at
2023
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Consultation description
A recent review of guidance was carried out to identify the most effective technologies and processes for limiting and monitoring emissions to air from crematoriums. The information collected was used to update the related guidance.
We want to know what you think about the technical details and requirements in the proposed new guidance.
The main change in the guidance is to extend mercury abatement technology to all crematoriums. This technology will help reduce the emission of substances that can have a harmful impact on the human body and natural environment.
These substances include:
- mercury
- particulate matter (PM)
- acid gases (HCI)
- dioxins and furans
- nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- particulate matter
The new guidance will also incorporate other elements to help reduce emissions, including mandatory monitoring of NOx and carbon emissions and future emissions limit values (ELV).
The review and update process was carried out in collaboration with:
- the UK government
- the Scottish Government
- the Welsh Government
- the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland
- representatives from the cremation industry and regulators
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Updates to this page
Published 9 October 2023
Last updated 4 December 2025
href="#full-history">+ show all updates
-
Added the summary of responses and government response.
-
First published.
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Consultation description
A recent review of guidance was carried out to identify the most effective technologies and processes for limiting and monitoring emissions to air from crematoriums. The information collected was used to update the related guidance.
We want to know what you think about the technical details and requirements in the proposed new guidance.
The main change in the guidance is to extend mercury abatement technology to all crematoriums. This technology will help reduce the emission of substances that can have a harmful impact on the human body and natural environment.
These substances include:
- mercury
- particulate matter (PM)
- acid gases (HCI)
- dioxins and furans
- nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- particulate matter
The new guidance will also incorporate other elements to help reduce emissions, including mandatory monitoring of NOx and carbon emissions and future emissions limit values (ELV).
The review and update process was carried out in collaboration with:
- the UK government
- the Scottish Government
- the Welsh Government
- the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland
- representatives from the cremation industry and regulators
Share this page
SharingThe willfollowing links open the page in a new tab
Updates to this page
-
Added the summary of responses and government response.
-
First published.