What Is Human Composting and Is It Legal?
By CRYSTAL BAI •
The short answer: Human composting (natural organic reduction) transforms the body into approximately one cubic yard of nutrient-rich soil amendment over 4–6 weeks using organic materials, heat, and microbial activity. It is legal in approximately 12 states including Washington, Colorado, Oregon, California, and New York, with more states considering legislation. It is chosen for its very low environmental impact.
What Is Human Composting?
Human composting — formally called natural organic reduction (NOR) — is a method of body disposition that transforms the human body into nutrient-rich soil amendment. The body, placed with organic materials like wood chips, straw, and hay in a specialized vessel, undergoes an accelerated natural decomposition process driven by microbes, heat, and oxygen over approximately 4–6 weeks. The result is roughly one cubic yard of dark, earthy compost that families can use in gardens, donate to conservation land, or scatter in places meaningful to the person who died.
How Human Composting Works
- The unembalmed body is placed in a reusable steel vessel along with organic materials (wood chips, alfalfa, straw)
- The vessel is sealed and gently rotated or aerated to ensure optimal conditions for microbial activity
- Over 4–6 weeks, the body fully decomposes into a rich, dark compost — bone and all soft tissue transform
- Any non-organic materials (dental implants, metal hardware) are removed
- Families receive the compost in one or more containers; the material can be used immediately or stored
Where Human Composting Is Legal
Washington State became the first state to legalize natural organic reduction in 2019 (effective 2020). As of 2025, states that have legalized it include:
- Washington (2020) — first state
- Colorado (2021)
- Oregon (2021)
- Vermont (2022)
- California (2022)
- New York (2023)
- Nevada (2023)
- Minnesota (2023)
- Delaware (2023)
- Arizona (2023)
- Hawaii (2023)
- Several additional states with pending legislation
Human Composting vs. Other Disposition Methods
| Method | Environmental Impact | Cost | What Family Receives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human composting | Very low; carbon-sequestering | $5,000–$8,000 | ~1 cubic yard of soil |
| Aquamation | Very low; no emissions | $1,500–$4,000 | Bone fragments (ash) |
| Green burial | Very low; returns to soil | $1,000–$3,500 | Body in earth |
| Flame cremation | Moderate (gas, emissions) | $800–$3,000 | Bone fragments (ash) |
| Conventional burial | High (chemicals, materials) | $8,000–$15,000 | Body in earth |
Who Is Choosing Human Composting?
Human composting appeals particularly to people with strong environmental values, people who find meaning in returning directly to the natural cycle of life, gardeners and land stewards who want their remains to nurture something living, and those drawn to the poetic dimension of becoming soil. It is chosen across religious and secular backgrounds.
Providers and Planning
Major human composting providers include Recompose (Washington, Colorado, Oregon), Return Home (Washington), and Earth Funeral (Washington, Colorado). Planning ahead — registering with a provider, documenting your wishes, informing your healthcare proxy — ensures your choice can be honored. Death doulas can help you incorporate human composting into your end-of-life planning and identify providers in your state. Renidy can connect you with an end-of-life professional knowledgeable about alternative disposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does human composting take?
The natural organic reduction process takes approximately 4–6 weeks for soft tissue to fully transform into soil amendment. The process is carefully managed by the provider using a combination of organic materials, temperature, moisture, and aeration to ensure complete transformation.
What do families receive after human composting?
Families receive approximately one cubic yard (roughly a wheelbarrow-full) of rich, dark compost — soil amendment that can be used in gardens, spread in forests, or donated to conservation land. The remains are completely unidentifiable as human.
Is human composting legal in my state?
As of 2025, human composting (natural organic reduction) is legal in Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California, New York, Nevada, Minnesota, Delaware, Arizona, Hawaii, and several other states. The legal landscape is evolving rapidly. Check your state's current funeral regulatory status.
Can I have a viewing or funeral service before human composting?
Yes. Families can hold a viewing or memorial service before the body is transferred to the composting provider. The body does not require embalming. A death doula can help plan a meaningful service before or after the process.
How much does human composting cost?
Human composting currently costs approximately $5,000–$8,000, reflecting the specialized infrastructure involved. Providers like Recompose, Return Home, and Earth Funeral serve multiple states. As the industry scales, costs are expected to decrease.
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