1. A. A crematory container:

   1. (1) Shall be a readily combustible, rigid container suitable for cremation;
   2. (2) Shall provide a completely enclosed covering for the human remains;
   3. (3) Shall be resistant to leakage or spillage;
   4. (4) Shall be of sufficient strength and rigidity for ease of handling;
   5. (5) Shall provide protection to the health and safety of crematory establishment personnel and the public;
   6. (6) Shall comply with all local, State, and federal governmental emissions regulations;
   7. (7) May not be composed of metal or polyethylene material; and

   8. (8) Which appears to be heavily coated with varnish, lacquer, or any other highly combustible substance, shall be:

      1. (a) Placed in a cold cremator; or
      2. (b) Coated completely with water before being placed in the cremator.

2. B. An alkaline hydrolysis container:

   1. (1) Shall consist of a completely enclosed covering for the human remains;
   2. (2) Shall be resistant to leakage or spillage;
   3. (3) Shall provide protection to the health and safety of the crematory establishment personnel and the public;
   4. (4) Shall comply with all local, State, and federal emissions regulations; and
   5. (5) Once inside the alkaline hydrolysis unit, may be removed prior to the start of the alkaline hydrolysis process as long as the human remains are covered to protect the dignity of the decedent.

Authority: Health-General Article, §§5-502—5-504, 5-508, and 5-511—5-514; Health Occupations Article, §§7-101, 7-102, and 7-205, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: April 14, 2014 (41:7 Md. R. 421)

Chapter revised effective May 11, 2026 (53:9 Md. R. 413)