why do cemeteries never fill to capacity, i never see new ones?.?

Answer 1

they stack bodies

Answer 2

I don't know what they do in America. But, in Belgium where I've lived now for decades, the cemetery plots are RENTED. The survivors (or the deceased person's estate) pay a set price for a set time period. If no one's around when the contract runs out, the government removes the coffin and disposes of it and its contents (after duly trying to notify any remaining family members, however distant).
It makes for a good argument for cremation and scattering the ashes (there are cemetaries for urns containing ashes. I suppose those spots have to be rented as well!).
(Also, families here rent plots of a particular size and STACK relatives.)

Answer 3

We have a new cemetery in our town of 9 thousand people. There are single plots left in the old one but no side by side plots.

We, my husband and I, were one of the first to buy our plots and headstone. That was four years ago. It may sound morbid but we are planning ahead. Just being funny, we have thought about putting some flowers on our plots.

Anyway on a sad note, the new cemetery is filling up quite fast with people who have committed suicide. Many of them have died from drug over dose.

Answer 4

Some do reach their capacities for full burials and switch to alternatives like memorial cremations. It's true that different cultures and countries have different philosophies - some consider it normal to destroy the graves after a certain period of time, others respect the graves for a longer period of time and then allow it to be redeveloped. Some American cities have a recent trend of constructing high-rise buildings to house graves. Some wealthy families have their own private cemeteries in the form of burial sites, monuments, crypts, or mausoleums on their large estates. (Princess Di is buried on her families estate and Elvis is buried at Graceland).

Answer 5

Most cemeteries have extra land so they can expand their existing one. I have seen this done several times.

Here in my small home town. I've seen both cemeteries expand. One doubled it's size, it was so cute and tiny before and on the outskirts of town.

I think the one in Oakhurst, CA. may need to make a new one. While on vacation I noticed their's and it seemed kinda small. And that community looked to me like it'd grown since I was last there.

Answer 6

Actually if you lived here in the Northeast you would see cemeteries that have closed because they are filled to capacity.

good luck!!!

Answer 7

After a certain period of time (not sure how long, but very long) the plots are reclaimed and resold. I know that happens in England anyway.

Answer 8

Because people are always dying to get in to them