Methods of Disposition

We understand that making choices during a time of loss can be difficult. One such difficult, but important, decision to make when planning a funeral or memorial service is the method of disposition for your loved one. Methods of disposition refer to the manner in which human remains are “disposed” and permanently placed. BONNEY WATSON has extensive and affordable disposition options — for which we offer final placement at our beautiful Washington Memorial cemetery in South Seattle. 

1. Burial: Traditional burial is a method of disposition where the deceased is placed in a casket and laid to rest in a cemetery. Families can choose from a variety of caskets, burial plots, headstones, and mausoleums to create a lasting memorial. Burial offers a sense of permanence and a dedicated place for family and friends to visit and pay their respects.

2. Cremation: Cremation is a popular option for many families. It provides flexibility in memorial choices and can be more cost-effective than burial. After cremation, you can choose to keep the ashes in an urn, place them in a cemetery, scatter them in a meaningful location, or even turn them into jewelry or art pieces. Cremation allows for creative and personal ways to honor your loved one’s memory.

3. Terramation: Terramation is the gentle, natural process of transforming human remains into fertile soil. The natural organic reduction process is accomplished through the use of microbes, moisture, and oxygen. Whether due to environmental or personal reasons, terramation offers a truly transformative way to return our loved ones back to nature in a deeply respectful and meaningful way.

4. Aquamation: Also called alkaline hydrolysis or aqua cremation, aquamation is a process that uses alkaline chemicals and water to break down human remains. This water-based method is similar to cremation in that it gently reduces the body to its basic elements. However, aquamation is considered a greener alternative to cremation since it does not produce hazardous environmental emissions.