For those beginning their end-of-life planning, numerous sustainable options are available, including Memorial Trees, water cremation, and human composting. Human composting is a process that respectfully returns our bodies to the earth, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial or cremation methods while enriching the soil.

But what states allow human composting? This guide explores the states where human composting is legal, providing you with valuable information to consider for yourself or a loved one as you explore this greener path to rest in peace.

Emergence of Human Composting

Human composting represents a thoughtful approach to one of life’s most significant moments. It’s about making a final contribution to the earth, a gesture that speaks of care and respect for the natural world and the continuation of life’s beautiful, unending cycle.

Known as natural organic reduction, it’s a process where human remains are transformed into nutrient-rich soil, a practice that offers a return to the earth in the most natural way possible.

During the process, the body is placed in a vessel containing organic materials like straw, wood chips, and alfalfa plant. Over several weeks, microbial activity breaks down the inorganic body, resulting in soil that can support plant life and rejuvenate the landscape.This method provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial or cremation and reduces the carbon footprint, avoiding the emissions associated with cremation and the land use of conventional burials.

The growing interest in sustainable end-of-life options reflects a broader shift towards environmental stewardship. People are choosing legacies that align with their ecological values, and human composting is one of many eco-friendly memorial options.

Where is Human Composting Legal?

In the United States, states where human composting is legal include:

• Washington (2019)
• Colorado (2021)
• Oregon (2021)
• Vermont (2022)
• California (2022)
• New York (2022)
• Nevada (2023)
• Arizona (2024)
• Maryland (2024)
• Delaware (2024)
• Minnesota (2024)
• Maine (2024)

States Preparing to Legalize Human Composting

Many states are at various stages of the legislative process to allow human composting as an eco-friendly alternative for end-of-life arrangements. See a full list of states working on legislation here.

Human Composting: Legal vs Operational

It’s important to note that there is typically a lag between legalization and the fully operational phase of the law.

After a state passes a law to allow human composting, the government must then develop the rules and regulations to accompany the law. Depending on the state, this process can take anywhere from six months to five years.

Can I choose human composting if I live in a state where it isn’t legal yet?

You can choose human composting from most states by working with a funeral home in your area to arrange for transport to a state with a legal facility. 

Human Composting States: Key Factors

The legalization of human composting states in the US has been shaped by a variety of factors that reflect our growing commitment to sustainable practices.

Human Composting States: Environmental Advocacy

Environmentalists and green burial advocates have played a significant role in educating the public and legislators about the benefits of human composting, emphasizing its role in reducing carbon emissions and conserving land.

Human Composting States: Public Support

As awareness of eco-friendly alternatives grows, public support for human composting has increased, influencing lawmakers to consider and pass legislation in favor of this method.

Human Composting States: Legislative Change

In states where human composting is legal, dedicated efforts by policymakers, influenced by their constituents, have led to the creation and passing of bills that recognize and regulate the practice.

Human Composting States: Cultural Shifts

A cultural shift towards more personalized and meaningful end-of-life options has also contributed to the legal changes, as individuals seek ways to align their final choices with their environmental values.

Human Composting States: Research and Development 

Ongoing research into the science of human composting has provided evidence of its safety and efficacy, helping to alleviate concerns and pave the way for legal acceptance.

The legalization process in each state has involved a careful balancing of ethical considerations, environmental impacts, and respect for personal choice. As this trend continues, we may see more states joining the list of those that allow human composting, offering individuals the choice to leave a legacy that honors their lives and the natural world they leave behind.

Understanding State Regulations

With more US states opening the doors to human composting, understanding and adhering to each state’s specific regulations and requirements is important. These guidelines are in place to ensure that the process is carried out with respect for the deceased and mindful consideration of our environment:

• Certification of Facilities: States that allow human composting require facilities to be certified, ensuring they meet health and safety standards for the process.
• Process Oversight: Regulations often stipulate how the composting process should be managed, from the mixture of materials used to the conditions maintained within the composting vessels.
• End Product Handling: Rules are set for how the resulting soil can be used, often allowing families to use it in personal gardens or donate it to conservation projects, but with restrictions to prevent misuse.
• Record-Keeping: Facilities must keep detailed records of their operations, ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of remains.
• Consumer Protections: States have put in place measures to protect consumers, ensuring they are informed about the process and their rights, and that costs are communicated clearly.
• Environmental Safeguards: Regulations also include environmental protections, such as preventing the contamination of water sources and ensuring the composting process does not harm local ecosystems.

With human composting now a legal choice in a growing number of states, offering a path for those who wish to leave the world as gently as they lived in it. This option speaks to our deeper connection with the earth and represents a thoughtful approach to our lasting impact.