Human composting — formally known as Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) — is the process of transforming human remains into nutrient-rich soil through accelerated, controlled decomposition. First legalized in Washington state in 2019, NOR has rapidly expanded across the country as families seek environmentally sustainable alternatives to burial and cremation. The process produces approximately one cubic yard of usable soil per person, which families can use to plant trees, enrich gardens, or donate to conservation land. It is, in the most literal sense, returning to the earth.
How the Process Works
Natural Organic Reduction takes place in a specially designed vessel — essentially a large, temperature-controlled container filled with organic materials. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Preparation: The body is placed into a reusable steel vessel (approximately 8 feet long) and surrounded by a carefully calibrated mixture of wood chips, alfalfa, and straw. These carbon-rich materials provide the microbial environment necessary for decomposition.
- Active Decomposition (30–45 days): The vessel is sealed and maintained at temperatures between 131°F and 160°F (55°C–71°C). At these temperatures, thermophilic microbes rapidly break down the body's organic matter while simultaneously destroying pathogens, pharmaceuticals, and disease-causing organisms. The vessel is periodically rotated or aerated to ensure even decomposition.
- Curing (2–4 weeks): After the active phase, the resulting material is removed from the vessel and allowed to cure in a secondary container. During this phase, any remaining non-organic materials (dental implants, surgical hardware, pacemakers) are separated out.
- Soil Return: The finished product — approximately one cubic yard (about 36 cubic feet) of clean, nutrient-rich soil — is returned to the family. Families can pick up the soil or have it shipped. They may also choose to donate all or part of the soil to a conservation project.
The entire process, from start to soil return, typically takes 60–90 days.
Where Is It Legal?
As of 2026, Natural Organic Reduction is legal in the following states:
- Washington (legalized 2019 — the first state)
- Colorado (legalized 2021)
- Oregon (legalized 2021)
- Vermont (legalized 2022)
- California (legalized 2022, effective 2027)
- New York (legalized 2023)
- Nevada (legalized 2023)
- Minnesota (legalized 2023)
- Maryland (legalized 2024)
- Delaware (legalized 2024)
- Illinois (legalized 2024)
Several additional states have pending legislation. Families in states where NOR is not yet legal can still choose the process by transporting the body to a licensed NOR facility in a legal state — though this adds transportation costs.
Important note: Even in states where NOR is legal, not all funeral homes offer it. Only a small number of licensed facilities currently operate NOR vessels. The two largest providers are Recompose (Seattle, WA) and Return Home (Auburn, WA).
Cost Comparison
Human composting occupies a middle ground between direct cremation and traditional burial in terms of cost:
| Disposition Method | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Natural Organic Reduction | $5,000–$7,000 |
| Green Burial | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Traditional Burial (full service) | $10,000–$20,000 |
The NOR process itself typically costs $5,500–$7,000 and includes the body transportation (within the service area), the decomposition process, soil curing, and return of approximately one cubic yard of finished soil to the family. Some providers offer additional services like a memorial gathering at the facility for an additional fee.
While more expensive than direct cremation, NOR is significantly less expensive than traditional burial and offers an environmental footprint that is 87% lower than conventional cremation according to lifecycle analysis studies.
Environmental Impact
The environmental benefits of NOR are substantial and well-documented:
- Carbon Savings: Each NOR process saves approximately 1.0 metric ton of carbon dioxide compared to conventional burial or cremation. Over time, the resulting soil actively sequesters additional carbon as it supports plant growth.
- No Chemical Inputs: Unlike embalming (which uses formaldehyde) and cremation (which burns natural gas), NOR relies entirely on natural microbial processes.
- Land Conservation: NOR does not require permanent cemetery land. The soil can be used to restore degraded landscapes, plant trees, or enrich community gardens.
- Pathogen Destruction: The sustained high temperatures during the active phase destroy virtually all pathogens, pharmaceuticals, and prion proteins, producing soil that meets EPA Class A biosolids standards.
Religious and Ethical Considerations
As a relatively new practice, religious guidance on human composting is still evolving:
- Catholic Church: The Catholic Church has not issued a formal position on NOR, but its 2016 guidance requiring that cremated remains be kept 'in a sacred place' (not scattered or divided) suggests the Church may have concerns about soil being distributed or used in gardens. Families should consult their diocese.
- Protestant denominations: Most Protestant churches have not addressed NOR specifically but generally support individual freedom in disposition choices.
- Judaism: Orthodox authorities have generally opposed NOR, viewing it as inconsistent with traditional burial requirements. Reform movements have been more open.
- Islam: Islamic scholars have generally not approved NOR, as Islamic law requires prompt burial of the intact body.
- Secular/Spiritual: For families without religious objections, NOR is widely embraced as the most ecologically meaningful form of final disposition available today.
We encourage families considering NOR to discuss it with their spiritual leaders and with all family members before making a decision, as it remains unfamiliar to many people and can provoke strong emotional reactions.