The correct answer is that cremated remains can be filled with shredded paper or clean cotton. This provision addresses the need for the cremated remains to be adequately presented within their container. When the volume of cremated remains does not fill the container sufficiently, using a filler like shredded paper or cotton not only ensures that the remains are stabilized within the container but also maintains respect and dignity for the deceased.
Using these materials helps prevent shifting of the remains during transport or display, while also being a practical solution to fill any void. This practice is consistent with the standards of care expected in the handling of cremated remains, ensuring that containers are not left empty or inadequately filled.
Other options, while they might seem viable at a glance, do not align with respectful handling and presentation standards. Discarding remains or returning them to the family without a suitable arrangement would not satisfy the requirements for proper stewardship of cremated remains. Placing them in a larger container is also not typically practiced unless additional remains are present, as it could create complications in tracking and managing the remains effectively.