Can You Compost Human Remains? Ethical Alternatives for Natural Burial in 2023

The modern burial landscape is shifting dramatically as environmental consciousness extends into our final arrangements. Traditional methods—consuming over 4 million acres of forest products and 1.6 million tons of concrete annually—are increasingly questioned by those seeking a gentler environmental footprint. While backyard composting transforms kitchen scraps into garden gold, human composting represents something profoundly different: a legal, regulated process returning our bodies to nature with minimal environmental impact.

For the growing number of Americans prioritizing sustainability throughout their lives, death care represents the final opportunity to honor these values. This article explores whether human composting is legal, how it compares to traditional methods, and what alternatives exist for those seeking a natural return to earth.

Quick Reference Guide: Human Composting Basics

Aspect	Details
Material	Human remains combined with organic matter (wood chips, straw, alfalfa)
Carbon-Nitrogen Ratio	Maintained at approximately 30:1 (similar to traditional composting)
Process Duration	30-60 days in controlled facility
Temperature Range	131-170°F (sufficient for pathogen reduction)
End Product	1-2 cubic yards of nutrient-rich soil
Environmental Benefits	• No embalming chemicals • Zero emissions from cremation • No permanent land use • Creates living legacy through soil
Legal Status	Legal in 6 states (WA, CO, OR, VT, CA, NY); illegal elsewhere
Average Cost	$5,000-$7,000

The Environmental Cost of Dying: Why Traditional Methods Face Scrutiny

Traditional burial practices consume surprising resources while leaving lasting environmental footprints:

Conventional burials use enough hardwood annually to build 4.6 million homes
Each cremation releases 535 pounds of CO2 (equivalent to a 500-mile car journey)
Embalming fluids contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that can leach into soil
Cemetery maintenance requires extensive water usage and often involves pesticides

These impacts have fueled what experts call the "green death" movement—a growing segment of consumers seeking end-of-life options aligned with environmental values. As climate concerns intensify, the estimated $20 billion funeral industry faces increasing pressure to offer sustainable alternatives.

Furthermore, traditional cemeteries occupy valuable land that could otherwise support natural ecosystems or community needs. Additionally, the concrete and steel used in conventional burial vaults can remain intact for centuries, creating permanent underground infrastructure with no ecological benefit.

Is Human Composting Legal? State-by-State Breakdown of Natural Organic Reduction

Human composting—officially termed Natural Organic Reduction (NOR)—transforms human remains into soil through controlled microbial decomposition. Unlike backyard composting, this process occurs in specialized facilities under strict regulations.

Current legal status (as of 2023):

Fully legal: Washington (2019), Colorado (2021), Oregon (2021), Vermont (2022), California (2022), New York (2023)
Pending legislation: Minnesota, Delaware, Massachusetts
Not yet legal: Remaining 41 states

The professional process typically takes 30-60 days and involves:

Placing remains in a vessel with organic materials (wood chips, alfalfa, straw)
Maintaining optimal moisture and aeration for microbial activity
Monitoring temperature (reaching 131-170°F) to ensure pathogen reduction
Producing 1-2 cubic yards of nutrient-rich soil

Cost comparison:

Human composting: $5,000-$7,000
Traditional burial: $7,000-$12,000 (including plot)
Basic cremation: $1,000-$3,000

The resulting soil can be returned to families or donated to conservation projects—creating life from loss in ways traditional methods cannot match. Some families choose to use the soil to plant memorial gardens or trees, creating living monuments that continue to grow and thrive.

5 Cultural and Ethical Questions About Human Composting

The concept of becoming soil raises important spiritual and emotional considerations:

Religious Perspectives

Major religious positions vary widely:

Many Protestant denominations: Generally accepting
Catholicism: The Vatican opposes human composting as showing "insufficient respect"
Judaism: Mixed opinions, though some rabbis cite "dust to dust" principles
Islam: Generally not accepted due to specific burial traditions

Family Memorialization Concerns

"Without a permanent grave, how do we remember?" This common question reflects deeper needs:

Composting providers offer memorial gardens where portions of soil can remain
Families may incorporate soil into meaningful plantings at home
Digital memorialization options complement the physical transformation

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Many initial reactions stem from misunderstanding the process:

The controlled, dignified facility process bears little resemblance to backyard composting
No visible decomposition is observed by families
The process is odorless and managed by trained technicians
Remains are treated with the same respect as in traditional funeral homes

Additionally, the scientific basis of human composting addresses concerns about safety and dignity. The carefully monitored process ensures complete transformation while maintaining appropriate temperatures for pathogen reduction. The resulting soil is tested for safety before being released to families or conservation projects.

7 Green Burial Alternatives Beyond Human Composting

For those interested in eco-friendly options but living where human composting remains unavailable, several alternatives exist:

Natural Burial (Available nationwide)
- No embalming, concrete, or metal
- Biodegradable caskets or simple shrouds
- Costs 25-50% less than conventional burial
- Preserves natural landscapes through conservation burial grounds
Living Memorial Tree Pods (Limited availability)
- Remains nurture memorial trees
- Creates living monuments
- Currently more concept than widely available option
Aquamation/Water Cremation (Legal in 20+ states)
- Uses water and alkali rather than fire
- Reduces carbon footprint by 90% compared to flame cremation
- Completes in 6-8 hours
- Costs approximately $2,000-$3,000
Mushroom Burial Suits (Available nationwide)
- Biodegradable garments infused with mushroom spores
- Aids decomposition while neutralizing toxins
- Compatible with natural burial
- Costs approximately $1,500
Sea Burial (Available with permits)
- Full body burial at sea (requires specific permits)
- Biodegradable urns for cremated remains
- Costs vary widely from $5,000-$10,000 for full body
Biodegradable Urns (Available nationwide)
- Plant-growing systems incorporating cremated remains
- Water-soluble options for ocean scattering
- Generally affordable ($50-$200)
Conservation Burial (Limited locations)
- Natural burial that permanently protects land
- Creates ecological reserves through burial funding
- Growing network of conservation cemeteries nationwide

Each of these options offers unique benefits and challenges. Natural burial, for instance, provides the most traditional experience while eliminating harmful chemicals and non-biodegradable materials. Meanwhile, aquamation offers a water-based alternative to flame cremation that significantly reduces carbon emissions while providing families with remains they can scatter or keep.

How to Plan for a Sustainable Farewell: 4 Essential Steps

Planning ahead ensures your final wishes align with your environmental values:

Research local availability
- Laws vary significantly by state
- Contact green burial providers directly about options
- The Green Burial Council maintains a national provider directory
- Consider reaching out to local environmental organizations for recommendations
Document specific wishes
- Update will or advance directive with detailed preferences
- Include specific providers if you've identified them
- Consider pre-paying to lock in current rates (services typically increase 3-5% annually)
- Create a detailed document explaining your environmental values and choices
Discuss with family members
- Share your environmental motivations
- Address concerns and misconceptions proactively
- Appoint an advocate who supports your choices
- Consider organizing a family meeting with a death doula or green funeral director
Consider financial preparation
- Compare costs between traditional and green options
- Explore whether insurance covers preferred methods
- Research whether providers offer payment plans
- Investigate whether your state offers tax benefits for conservation burial

Taking these steps not only ensures your final wishes are honored but also relieves your loved ones of difficult decisions during a time of grief. Additionally, planning ahead often results in significant cost savings and provides time to research the most environmentally beneficial options available in your region.

Honoring Life Through Sustainable Death: The Growing Movement

The fundamental question—"can you compost human remains?"—reflects a deeper shift in how we view our relationship with the earth. While backyard human composting remains firmly illegal, the growing availability of professional human composting services represents just one facet of a broader movement toward meaningful, sustainable death care.

As environmental consciousness reshapes our final choices, these options offer more than just reduced environmental impact—they provide a meaningful continuity with natural cycles and a final act of giving back to the earth that sustained us.

The growth of this movement also reflects changing cultural attitudes toward death itself. Many people now seek more personal, meaningful death care options that align with how they lived. For those who tended gardens, practiced sustainability, or found solace in nature, these green alternatives offer a fitting final chapter.

Moreover, sustainable death practices often create opportunities for deeper family involvement in death care—from helping to build or decorate a simple casket to participating in a memorial tree planting. These hands-on experiences can provide meaningful closure and connection during the grieving process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Human Composting

Is human composting the same as natural burial?
No. Natural burial places an unembalmed body in the soil to decompose naturally, while human composting actively transforms remains into soil through a managed process taking approximately 30-60 days.

How much soil does human composting produce?
The process typically yields 1-2 cubic yards of soil—roughly enough to fill the bed of a pickup truck or nourish several garden beds or trees.

Can disease spread through composted human remains?
No. The controlled composting process reaches temperatures of 131-170°F, eliminating pathogens. The process is regulated and tested to ensure safety.

What happens to bones during human composting?
Unlike home composting, the professional process breaks down all human tissue, including bones and teeth, through careful temperature and moisture control and occasional mechanical assistance.

Can you keep the soil from a loved one's composting?
Yes. Families typically receive all or a portion of the resulting soil, which can be used in gardens, donated to conservation projects, or kept in memorial containers.

Is human composting more expensive than traditional options?
Human composting ($5,000-$7,000) typically costs less than traditional burial but more than basic cremation. However, when comparing to full-service traditional burial with plot purchase, human composting often represents a cost savings.

How do I find human composting services near me?
If you live in a state where it's legal, search for "natural organic reduction" or "human composting" providers. The National Funeral Directors Association and Green Burial Council can also provide referrals to facilities offering this service.

Human composting represents just one option in an expanding spectrum of sustainable death care choices. By understanding these alternatives, you can make informed decisions that honor both your values and the planet—creating a meaningful legacy that extends beyond your lifetime.