Some bone fragments are not combustible at the incineration temperature and, as a result, remain in the cremation chamber. During the cremation, the contents of the chamber may be moved to facilitate incineration. The chamber is composed of ceramic or other material which disintegrates slightly during each cremation, and the product of that disintegration is commingled with the cremated remains. Nearly all of the contents of the cremation chamber, consisting of the cremated remains, disintegrated chamber material, and small amounts of residue from previous cremations, are removed together and crushed, pulverized, or ground to facilitate inurnment or scattering.
Some residue remains in the cracks and uneven places of the chamber.
Periodically, the accumulation of this residue is removed and interred in a dedicated cemetery property, or scattered at sea. If cremation is chosen, a written authorization must be signed before cremation can proceed. This authorization, or a separate contract, indicates the location, manner, and time of disposition of the remains and includes an agreement to pay for the cremation, for disposition of the cremated remains, and for any other services desired. The funeral establishment usually arranges to obtain this permit as part of its services. California law permits the person authorizing the cremation to be in attendance if he or she wishes, and some facilities may be able to accommodate more than one family member.