Human Composting (Terramation): The Newest Green Death Option

The short answer: Human composting — also called natural organic reduction (NOR) or terramation — converts the human body into nutrient-rich soil through a controlled composting process. Now legal in several states, it's the most environmentally innovative death disposition option available.

What Is Human Composting?

Human composting (natural organic reduction/NOR) is a process that converts the human body into approximately one cubic yard of nutrient-rich compost soil through a controlled, accelerated decomposition process. The body is placed in a vessel with organic material (wood chips, alfalfa, straw), and naturally occurring microbes break down the body over about 30-60 days in a temperature-controlled environment.

How Terramation Works

The process: the body is placed in a reusable vessel with organic material; the vessel is rotated periodically to ensure oxygenation; microbial activity heats the vessel (up to 150°F), sterilizing pathogens; over 4-8 weeks, the body transforms into soil; the soil is screened for any hard materials (dental implants, surgical hardware); the family receives approximately one cubic yard of rich, loamy soil.

What You Can Do With the Soil

Families can take all or part of the soil home for a garden, scatter it in a meaningful natural location (with permission), or donate it to land conservation organizations. Some NOR companies have conservation land where families can scatter soil. The soil is essentially like high-quality compost — safe to use for growing plants.

Environmental Benefits

Compared to cremation, terramation uses approximately one-eighth the carbon emissions and no fossil fuels beyond what powers the facility. Compared to conventional burial, it avoids formaldehyde, non-biodegradable caskets, and concrete vaults. The resulting soil actively sequesters carbon and enriches the earth.

Where Is Human Composting Legal?

As of 2025, human composting is legal in Washington (where it began), Colorado, Oregon, California, Vermont, Arizona, New York, and a growing number of states. The Recompose company in Seattle was the first; others have since launched.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is human composting?

Human composting (natural organic reduction/terramation) converts the human body into nutrient-rich soil through a controlled composting process over 30-60 days. The family receives approximately one cubic yard of rich soil.

Is human composting legal?

As of 2025, human composting is legal in Washington, Colorado, Oregon, California, Vermont, Arizona, New York, and additional states. The number of states allowing NOR is growing each year.

How much does human composting cost?

Human composting typically costs $5,000–$7,000 — more than direct cremation but often comparable to or less than traditional burial. Some providers offer pricing similar to full-service cremation.

Is human composting accepted by major religions?

Religious perspectives vary. Some Christian denominations have concerns; others accept it as consistent with returning to the earth. Jewish, Islamic, and other traditions have varying views. Consult your religious community and spiritual leader if this is a consideration.

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