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Cremation Trends: Continued Growth Despite Slowing Rates

Over the past two decades, cremation rates in the United States have seen significant growth, climbing from around 40% to over 60%. However, according to recent data from the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), this rapid growth is beginning to slow down as the industry enters a phase of “deceleration.” Despite this slowdown, the trend toward cremation remains strong, with projections suggesting that the national cremation rate will reach as high as 80% in the coming decades.

This trend, which CANA has been tracking for over a century, reflects a deep cultural shift in the way Americans approach death and disposition. While cremation rates vary significantly by region, with some areas already nearing saturation, the overall national movement towards cremation continues. Some states are now seeing cremation rates above 80%, marking a significant change from just a few years ago.

By 2028, the U.S. cremation rate is expected to reach 65.3%, following Canada’s lead, where cremation rates have already surpassed 75%. Although the annual growth rate of cremation is slowing as more states reach higher levels of adoption, the shift towards cremation as the preferred method of disposition remains steady. Cremation, it seems, has become a cultural norm—a tradition that’s here to stay.

Understanding the Factors Behind Cremation Growth

CANA’s research sheds light on the various factors driving this trend. As populations become more transient, people are less tied to the geographic and cultural traditions of burial in their hometowns. Increased mobility, exposure to new traditions, higher educational levels, and declining religious affiliation are all contributing to the rising popularity of cremation.

While cremation growth is slowing as it reaches higher percentages of the population, the factors that propelled it in the first place—affordability, environmental consciousness, and a shift in cultural attitudes—remain firmly in place. Unless a new form of disposition emerges, cremation will continue to be the dominant choice for families across the country.

The Value of Post-Cremation Metal Recycling

As cremation rates rise, so too does the need for responsible management of the materials left behind after the process. Non-organic materials like metal implants, which remain after cremation, present a unique opportunity for both environmental and financial benefits.


Medical implants and other metals, such as dental crowns, contain valuable materials like gold and palladium, which can be recovered and recycled. In fact, precious metals found in dental scrap, particularly, can fetch significant returns. For example, a single dental crown’s value can surpass that of hundreds of pounds of casket hardware. These metals are not only valuable but also help reduce the need for new mining, which has devastating environmental impacts, including soil erosion, water contamination, and air pollution.

Recycling post-cremation metals also ensures compliance with environmental regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies non-organic post-cremation materials as hazardous waste, meaning they must be disposed of properly. By recycling these metals, crematories can help conserve natural resources and minimize the harmful environmental effects of mining and improper waste disposal.

How Core Scientific Can Help Crematories Maximize Their Recycling Programs

At Core Scientific, we specialize in helping crematories make the most of their post-cremation metal recycling programs. With over 500 crematories across North America relying on us, we’ve established ourselves as a trusted leader in the implant recycling industry.

Our STEP program—focusing on Security, Transparency, Education, and Processing—ensures that your crematory gets the most out of its recycling efforts. We use state-of-the-art refining technologies and provide a streamlined, secure process from start to finish. Not only does recycling post-cremation metals contribute to environmental sustainability, but it also provides crematories with a significant source of additional revenue, which can be used for operational improvements or even charitable donations.

At Core Scientific, we’re committed to partnering with crematories to create a responsible, profitable approach to post-cremation metal recycling. Together, we can help protect the environment, enhance your operations, and make the most of every resource.

Contact Core Scientific today for a free consultation and learn more about how you can implement a post-cremation recycling program.

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