After every birth I assist in I ask the couple if they would like to look at the placenta and if they do I go through it all with them what it does etc. Then I ask if they would like to keep it. So many people are shocked but I have to ask cause you never know, and it is really yours to do what you want with.
Keeping the placenta forever (by freezing) or some people have said that planting it is meant to be protection against drowning for the infant.

I think keeping it and planting it or something is a nicer way to treat it than it just going into the furnace at the hosptial. I mean that was been your link to your baby for 9 months etc... but everyones own choice.