Which of the following characteristics is NOT legally required of a cremation container by the Health and Safety Code3, but it frequently required by crematories?

• A. It must be rigid
• B. It must be leak resistant
• C. It must be combustible
• D. It must be closed

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that cremation container rules are about what the container must do, not necessarily how it must be built. Health and Safety Code requirements focus on safety and the cremation process: the container must be combustible so it will burn in the chamber, it must be closed so the contents are protected and dignity is maintained, and it should be leak resistant to prevent fluids from escaping during handling. Rigidity, while practical for handling and stability, is not a legal requirement in the statute. Crematories often require a rigid container in practice to facilitate transport and placement, but this is a common organizational standard rather than a statutory mandate.