Green burial has gained increasing attention and promotion in Hong Kong in recent years as an environmentally friendly and sustainable end-of-life arrangement. As land resources become more limited and environmental awareness rises, green burial not only helps conserve land but also aligns with modern ecological values. This article provides a comprehensive overview of green burial, including its concept, locations, memorial gardens, application procedures, pros and cons, and related costs.

Green burial refers to a burial method that emphasises environmental protection, land conservation, and sustainability. Unlike traditional columbarium storage, green burial typically involves scattering ashes in memorial gardens or designated water areas, allowing the ashes to return to nature and symbolising the cycle of life. This approach reduces land use and avoids the long-term occupation of land by columbarium niches—an especially important consideration in land-scarce Hong Kong.

Currently, the Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department provides 13 memorial gardens and 3 designated sea areas for ash scattering. Key locations include:

• Memorial Gardens: Cape Collinson, Diamond Hill, Wo Hop Shek, Fu Shan, Kwai Chung, Tsang Tsui, Cheung Chau, Peng Chau, and Lamma Island.
• Designated Sea Areas: East of Tap Mun, east of Tung Lung Chau, and south of West Lamma Channel.

All these sites are managed by the government, well-equipped with facilities, and easily accessible for families to pay respects.

Green burial memorial gardens serve not only as ash scattering venues but also offer thoughtful features. For instance, Tsang Tsui Garden includes woodcarved art installations such as a symbolic “ferry” and a “memory mailbox,” where families can post messages expressing their remembrance and blessings.

Eco-friendly practices are encouraged, such as using biodegradable paper ash scatterers to reduce environmental impact. For sea burials, “farewell flower bags” can be used to personalise the ceremony.

To apply for green burial, one must possess an “Ash Disposal Permit” or written authorisation from the permit holder. Applications must be submitted in person at least 14 days prior to the planned ash scattering date at a designated Cemetery and Crematorium Office of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Required documents include a completed application form, the original Ash Disposal Permit, and a copy of the deceased’s identification document. If applying on behalf of the permit holder, authorisation documents are also needed. The application fee is HK$90, and there is no charge for the actual ash scattering.

Once approved, families may choose to scatter the ashes in a memorial garden and may also apply to install a memorial plaque with the deceased’s photo on the garden’s commemorative wall for ongoing remembrance.

Pros:

• Environmentally friendly and conserves land, promoting sustainability.
• More affordable than traditional burial methods, reducing financial burden.
• Helps protect the ecosystem by minimising burning of offerings and associated pollution.
• User-friendly facilities and multiple options for expressing grief and remembrance.

Cons:

• Traditional Chinese culture emphasises “resting in peace” with a permanent burial site, and the lack of a fixed grave may affect family traditions and ancestral worship.
• Limited public acceptance due to strong traditional beliefs.
• Scattered ashes cannot be marked with permanent tombstones, possibly making it harder for future generations to pay tribute.

The main cost involved in green burial is the administrative fee of HK$90. The ash scattering itself is free of charge. Compared to the high cost of renting traditional columbarium niches, green burial offers a much more affordable option, easing the financial pressure on families and promoting eco-conscious burial practices.

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References:

• Green Burial – ls.chiculture
• Submitted Article｜Green Burial: An Environmentally Friendly Funeral Option in Hong Kong – HK01
• Green Burial Services in Hong Kong – memorialhse
• Ash Scattering at Memorial Gardens – greenburial.gov.hk
• Introduction to Green Burial 2025 – districtcouncils.gov.hk
• Overview of Green Burial – greenburial.gov.hk