In Depth Guide to Human Body Composting

Understanding the Natural Return Process

Human body compost is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation that transforms human remains into nutrient-rich soil through natural decomposition. This method, also known as natural organic reduction or terramation, offers a sustainable end-of-life option with significant environmental benefits.

What is Human Body Composting?

• Definition: A process that uses microbes to convert human remains into soil
• Timeline: Takes approximately 8-12 weeks from start to finish
• Output: Produces about one cubic yard (500-1,000 pounds) of soil per body
• Environmental Impact: Saves approximately one metric ton of carbon dioxide compared to cremation or burial
• Legal Status: Currently legal in 7 U.S. states (Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Vermont, New York, Nevada, and California by 2027)

The process works by placing the body in a vessel with organic materials like wood chips, alfalfa, and straw. Naturally occurring microbes break down the remains over 5-7 weeks, followed by a 3-5 week curing period. The resulting soil can be used to nourish gardens, forests, or conservation lands.

Unlike conventional burial, which consumes resources and land, or cremation, which releases carbon dioxide and uses significant energy, human body composting returns nutrients directly to the earth while using 87% less energy than traditional methods.

Why Interest in Green Death Care Is Surging

Interest in green death care options like human body compost has surged for several compelling reasons. As environmental consciousness grows, more people are seeking end-of-life options that align with their values of sustainability and ecological responsibility.

The rising costs of traditional funeral services have also driven interest in alternatives. With the average traditional burial now costing $8,300 or more, and cremation services averaging around $6,970, many families are looking for more affordable options that don't compromise on meaning or dignity.

Land scarcity presents another challenge. In urban areas especially, cemetery space is becoming increasingly limited and expensive. Each year in the United States, conventional burials use approximately 4 million acres of land, much of which could otherwise support natural ecosystems or sustainable agriculture.

What Is Human Body Compost?

Imagine the forest floor, where fallen leaves and branches naturally transform into rich soil. Human body compost works on the same principle, but in a carefully designed setting that honors the deceased while creating new life.

Also known as natural organic reduction or terramation, human body compost is nature's way of changing our bodies back to earth. The process creates the perfect environment for nature to turn organic matter into nutrient-rich soil that can nourish new growth.

The process happens in a vessel filled with wood chips, alfalfa, and straw. This mixture creates ideal conditions for the helpful microbes that naturally live on our bodies and in these plant materials. When these ingredients come together, they create approximately one cubic yard of nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.5-7, perfect for growing just about anything.

Is this soil safe? Absolutely. Scientific research on soil safety confirms that when proper protocols are followed, the resulting soil is free from pathogens and perfectly safe for gardens, forests, and conservation lands.

History & Science Behind Human Body Compost

The story of human body compost has humble beginnings in agricultural practices. Farmers have long used similar techniques to return livestock to the soil safely and efficiently.

In 2011, architect Katrina Spade saw the potential to adapt these methods for humans. While studying at the University of Massachusetts, she founded the Urban Death Project (which later evolved into Recompose), developing a sustainable alternative to conventional burial and cremation.

The science centers around thermophilic microbes—heat-loving bacteria and fungi. When given the right balance of carbon-rich materials and nitrogen, these decomposers multiply rapidly. Their activity generates heat, raising the vessel's temperature to between 131°F and 150°F—warm enough to accelerate decomposition and eliminate pathogens.

Composition & Quality of Human Body Compost Soil

The soil created through human body compost is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—the three key elements plants need to thrive. Each person's soil is slightly unique, reflecting their individual composition and the specific plant materials used.

Before being returned to families, the soil undergoes testing for heavy metals and pathogens. State regulations typically require documentation showing the compost maintained temperatures above 131°F for at least 72 consecutive hours, ensuring harmful organisms are eliminated.

One remarkable quality of this soil is its exceptional ability to retain moisture. Adding just 1% more organic matter to soil helps it hold an additional 20,000 gallons of water per acre—making human body compost soil particularly valuable for ecological restoration in drought-prone regions.

Step-by-Step Process of Natural Organic Reduction

The journey of human body compost unfolds through five thoughtful phases:

Phase 1: Intake The body is gently transported to the facility without embalming fluids. It rests in a specialized mortuary cooler until the family is ready for their goodbye ritual.

Phase 2: Laying-In Ceremony This is where many families find profound comfort. The laying-in ceremony offers a meaningful alternative to traditional viewings, where loved ones gather as the body is placed on a bed of organic materials—wood chips, straw, and alfalfa.

Phase 3: Vessel Change Following the ceremony, additional organic materials cover the body, creating the perfect environment for change. The vessel is sealed, beginning nature's work. Over the next 5-7 weeks, microbes break down the body, generating heat that speeds decomposition while naturally eliminating pathogens. Sensors monitor temperature, moisture, and oxygen levels throughout this phase.

Phase 4: Curing Once active decomposition completes, the material moves to a curing bin for another 3-5 weeks. This waiting period allows the soil to stabilize. During this time, screening removes any non-organic items like medical implants. Bones, which need additional processing, are respectfully ground and folded back into the soil.

Phase 5: Soil Return/Donation The final gift emerges: approximately one cubic yard of nutrient-rich soil. Families can receive this soil to plant memorial trees or gardens, or they may choose to donate it to reforestation efforts or conservation projects.

From beginning to end, this gentle change typically takes 8-12 weeks.

Family Involvement & Rituals

The beauty of human body compost lies in how it creates space for meaningful participation. The laying-in ceremony often becomes the heart of family involvement—a flexible canvas for expressing grief and remembrance in deeply personal ways.

Families bring their own traditions to these gatherings. Some fill the room with music, others read poems, while some simply share stories. Religious elements can be woven in thoughtfully.

Many facilities welcome families to visit throughout the change process. At Return Home in Washington, loved ones can personalize the vessel with photographs, fresh flowers, or meaningful objects.

For families separated by distance, technology bridges the gap. Virtual streaming of ceremonies and regular updates help everyone feel connected to this important transition.

More info about service options

Safety & Regulatory Protocols

When it comes to human body compost, safety is the foundation of the entire practice. Facilities follow rigorous protocols established by state health departments and licensing agencies.

The compost must maintain a temperature of at least 131°F (55°C) for a minimum of 72 consecutive hours—a threshold proven to eliminate pathogens. This isn't guesswork; it's carefully monitored science.

State inspectors visit during initial licensing and return for regular inspections, verifying that facilities properly monitor temperatures, maintain detailed records, and follow all safety protocols.

Before any soil goes home with families or to conservation projects, samples undergo thorough laboratory testing for pathogens, heavy metals, and other potential contaminants.

Environmental & Cost Benefits vs. Traditional Burial & Cremation

When we look at end-of-life options, human body compost stands out as a remarkably earth-friendly choice. Each person who chooses this path prevents between 0.84 and 1.4 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering our atmosphere—equivalent to avoiding a 2,481-mile road trip.

This impressive carbon reduction happens because human body compost uses 87% less energy than cremation, which typically burns about 30 gallons of fuel per body. It also sidesteps the resource-heavy aspects of conventional burial:

• Hardwood and metal caskets that consume valuable resources
• Concrete grave liners and vaults (roughly 1.6 million tons annually)
• Embalming process that introduces over 800,000 gallons of formaldehyde yearly
• Perpetual lawn maintenance with fertilizers, pesticides, and water demands

Beyond reducing carbon, human body compost actively gives back to the land. While traditional burial takes up space indefinitely, composting creates nutrient-rich soil that can help restore ecosystems.

Financially, human body compost typically costs between $2,500 and $7,000—between direct cremation (starting around $1,000) and traditional burial with full funeral services ($8,300+).

Carbon Footprint & Soil Sequestration

The climate benefits of human body compost go beyond simply avoiding emissions. This process actively locks carbon into the resulting soil, creating what scientists call a carbon sink.

Environmental engineer Troy Hottle's life-cycle analysis found human body compost saves significantly more carbon than even green burial options. Research from Leiden University confirms that natural organic reduction has the lowest environmental impact of all available disposition methods.

When families use human body compost soil to grow plants, those plants capture additional carbon through photosynthesis, multiplying the climate benefit.

Financial Comparison & Payment Options

The average cost of human body compost ($2,500-$7,000) covers the entire process, temporary refrigeration, the laying-in ceremony, and return of the soil to the family.

Many providers have created options to make this choice more accessible: pre-paid plans, life insurance assignments, special funds for families with financial need, and sliding scale pricing based on household income.

When comparing costs, traditional burial prices often don't mention cemetery plot purchases, perpetual care fees, headstones, or grave opening/closing charges—all of which can add thousands to the final bill.

For those interested in learning more, our Beginners Guide to Human Composting: What Is It? provides additional details.

Legal, Ethical & Cultural Landscape

The legal status of human body compost is expanding rapidly across the United States. As of 2024, seven states have accepted this eco-friendly option:

1. Washington (pioneering the way in 2019, effective 2020)
2. Oregon
3. Colorado
4. Vermont
5. New York
6. Nevada
7. California (set to implement in 2027)

The movement continues to gain momentum, with pending legislation in Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Minnesota.

Beyond American shores, countries like Sweden have already approved similar processes, while others are developing their own regulatory frameworks.

The ethical conversations surrounding human body compost often center on questions about dignity, respect, and our relationship with the natural world. Many supporters find profound meaning in the idea of nurturing new life after death.

What's encouraging is how this option resonates with people across diverse backgrounds, suggesting that care for our planet might be a value that transcends many dividing lines.

Addressing Criticisms & Safety Concerns

As with any innovation in death care, human body compost has faced thoughtful questions that deserve honest answers.

Some wonder about medications affecting groundwater safety. Research offers reassurance—proper composting processes effectively break down most pharmaceutical compounds, and state-mandated testing ensures the finished soil meets strict safety standards.

Implants and non-organic materials are carefully removed during screening. Metal hip replacements, pacemakers, and dental fillings are typically recycled rather than returned with the soil.

The volume of soil—about one cubic yard per person—can present practical challenges. Providers have developed solutions, including donation programs that direct the soil to conservation efforts, memorial forests, or habitat restoration projects.

Religious & Cultural Responses to Human Body Compost

Religious perspectives on human body compost reflect the diversity of faith traditions. Some communities have accepted the practice as aligned with their values of environmental stewardship and natural cycles.

The Catholic Church has generally expressed opposition. In 2016, the Vatican document "Ad resurgendum cum Christo" specified that cremated remains should be kept in sacred places. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops followed with a 2023 memo addressing concerns about human composting.

Yet even within Catholicism, diverse perspectives exist. One Roman Catholic priest observed that "I recognize only human composting fulfills the Catholic prayer of Committal" by truly returning the body to the earth as the traditional prayer describes.

Jewish responses reflect the diversity within Judaism itself. Some Orthodox authorities view the practice as inconsistent with traditional burial customs, while voices within Reform and Conservative movements have noted similarities with natural burial traditions.

As this option becomes more widely available, new rituals and ceremonies are emerging that honor both religious traditions and environmental values.

Choosing a Provider & The Future of Human Body Compost

When families consider human body compost, they now have several established providers to choose from:

• Recompose in Washington stands as the pioneer. Founded by Katrina Spade, their Seattle facility houses 34 vessels in a thoughtfully designed space.

• Return Home, also in Washington, has created a more family-centered model with 74 vessels. They welcome unlimited family visitation throughout the composting process.

• Earth Funeral has expanded access by offering nationwide services, arranging transport from anywhere in the country to their Washington facility.

For families outside states with established facilities, transportation logistics become an important consideration. Most providers have developed relationships with local funeral homes to coordinate dignified transport.

Human Composting, Mortuary Coolers, Racks, Lifts: 12 States

The future looks bright for human body compost as a death care option. With legislation pending in multiple states and growing consumer interest, we're witnessing the early stages of a significant shift in how Americans approach end-of-life care.

Preparing Facilities & Equipment

For funeral homes considering adding human body compost services, thoughtful facility preparation makes all the difference.

Most successful facilities arrange their vessels in honeycomb or stacked configurations to optimize both space and airflow. Proper ventilation is essential, with custom HVAC systems and specialized odor control.

Temperature-controlled storage represents another critical component. Before the composting process begins, remains need to be properly preserved, requiring specialized mortuary coolers.

Here at American Mortuary Coolers, we've developed a deep understanding of these unique needs. From our base in Tennessee, we craft custom mortuary coolers and related equipment specifically designed for facilities offering human body compost services.

We've partnered with funeral homes across the country to design and install equipment supporting the entire process—from initial refrigeration to the monitoring systems needed during active composting.

Innovations on the Horizon

The field of human body compost continues to evolve, with several exciting innovations:

Researchers are exploring biochar integration to improve carbon sequestration properties of the soil. By incorporating biochar—a stable form of carbon created through pyrolysis—the climate benefits could be significantly amplified.

For smaller funeral homes with limited space, modular vessel units are being developed to make the process more accessible without requiring major renovations.

To improve transparency and trust, some providers are exploring blockchain tracking systems that would provide families with complete documentation of the entire process.

The movement is growing beyond American borders, with international expansion likely as countries develop their own regulatory frameworks. Supporting all this growth, research grants from environmental organizations and universities are funding ongoing studies to optimize the process and quantify its ecological benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions about Human Body Composting

How long does the entire process take?

The journey from body to soil through human body compost unfolds over approximately 8 to 12 weeks.

During the first 5-7 weeks, the body rests in the primary vessel where active decomposition occurs. Then comes a 3-5 week curing period, where the soil stabilizes and matures.

Every person's journey is slightly different. Factors like body composition and facility protocols can influence the exact timeline. Throughout this period, staff carefully monitor temperature, moisture, and other conditions.

What can families do with the finished soil?

When families receive the nutrient-rich soil created through human body compost, they face a beautiful choice about how to continue their loved one's legacy.

Many families choose to use the soil in private gardens, creating living memorials by planting trees, flowers, or vegetables that carry special meaning.

Some families scatter portions of the soil in meaningful locations—though it's important to secure permission from landowners first. Unlike ashes, which can be sterile or even harmful to plants, this soil actively improves the landscape.

For those without space for all the soil, donation programs offer a wonderful alternative. Conservation projects use donated soil for reforestation, wetland restoration, or prairie rehabilitation.

The generous volume of soil allows for creative combinations of these options. Many families keep smaller portions in memorial planters while donating the rest, or share the soil among relatives.

Is human body compost legal in my state?

As of 2024, human body compost is legal in seven U.S. states, with legislation continuing to advance across the country. Washington led the way in 2019 (effective 2020), followed by Oregon, Colorado, Vermont, New York, and Nevada. California has approved the practice as well, though its law won't take effect until 2027.

If you're living in a state where human body compost isn't yet legal, many providers welcome out-of-state remains, with transportation arranged through local funeral homes. At Recompose in Washington, about 29% of those they care for come from outside the state.

You might also consider becoming an advocate. The rapid expansion of legalization has been driven largely by citizen advocates who contacted their representatives, testified at hearings, or supported advocacy organizations.

The legal landscape is evolving quickly, with new bills introduced regularly. For the most current information about your state's status, check with a human body compost provider directly or visit their website for legislative updates.

Conclusion

As we've explored human body compost, it's clear this approach represents a meaningful evolution in death care—one that beautifully aligns with our growing environmental awareness and desire for more personalized end-of-life choices.

The process offers remarkable environmental benefits, significantly reducing carbon emissions while returning valuable nutrients to the earth in a way that nurtures new life. For many families, there's profound comfort in knowing their loved one continues to support gardens, forests, or conservation lands.

Here at American Mortuary Coolers, we support the growing community of green funeral facilities across the country. Our custom refrigeration solutions are specifically designed with the unique needs of human body compost providers in mind. Our team deeply understands both the technical requirements and the compassionate considerations these specialized facilities require.

The movement is gaining momentum. As more states accept this option and public awareness continues to grow, we expect human body compost will become an increasingly common choice for those wishing to leave a regenerative legacy.

Whether you're researching options for yourself, exploring possibilities for a loved one, or considering adding this service as a funeral professional, we hope this guide has offered valuable insights. The choice to return to the earth in a way that gives back represents perhaps the most meaningful final gift one can offer.

For those interested in learning more or taking next steps, we encourage you to explore more info about comprehensive composting options or reach out to providers in your area.

By choosing human body compost, individuals make their final act one that gives back to the earth that sustained them throughout life—a powerful statement of values and a beautiful gift to future generations.