What is Human Composting?

Human Composting, sometimes called organic reduction or terramation, is the process of turning human remains into soil. It is now legal in about a dozen states and is a choice growing in popularity for those seeking a new alternative to traditional burial and cremation.

Human composting occurs in a carefully controlled environment that safely accelerates nature’s process of decay and renewal. The resulting soil is rich with nutrients, ready to support gardens, forests, or other spaces. Many find it’s a meaningful way to say goodbye while fostering renewal.

Why Choose Human Composting?

There are a number of reasons why organic reduction (composting) is growing in popularity.

• A Natural Choice: Human composting avoids embalming chemicals, reduces energy use, and doesn’t produce emissions. It’s a sustainable option that supports the planet while honoring your loved one.
• Offers Personalization: Terramation (composting) gives families the opportunity to create a deeply personal goodbye. From the laying-in ceremony to deciding how the soil will be used, every step of the process was created with intention and offers space for ritual and personalization.
• A Growing Legacy: The soil created through composting is nutrient-rich. It can nurture a garden, help restore land, or spread in a place that is meaningful to the family. It’s a way to turn loss into renewal and create a lasting impact.

How Does the Process Work?

1. A Laying-In: For many families, the process begins with a laying-in ceremony. This is a time to gather, reflect, and honor your loved one. The body is placed in a vessel filled with straw, alfalfa, and sawdust. Families may place organic items such as flowers, letters, and even jelly beans into the vessel. They can also decorate the outside of the vessel, and place important mementoes (flags, keepsakes, etc.) to make it uniquely meaningful.
2. Transforming with Care: Over the next 30 to 40 days, the body is gently transformed into soil inside the vessel. The process is carefully monitored every step of the way.
3. Resting and Stabilizing: Once the transformation is complete, the soil is screened and aloowed to rest for an additional 30 days. This step ensures the soil is stable and ready for the family’s use.
4. Returning the Soil: At the end of the process, about one cubic yard of nutrient-rich soil (compost) is returned to the family. This soil can be used to plant a tree, create a memorial garden, or restore land. Families can choose how much to keep and whether to donate any portion. About 70% of families choose to keep the entire amount.

Frequently Asked Questions About Human Composting

What happens during the process? 

Human composting uses natural materials, like straw, alfalfa, and sawdust, to transform the body into soil in a controlled and respectful environment. Straw is a natural insulator, alfalfa supplies nitrogen to the microbes that transform the body, and sawdust absorbs all moisture. Remember, we are over 70% water, and need to be sure that everything is both absorbed, and transformed.

How does human composting affect the environment? 

Human composting is a natural, organic process that avoids embalming chemicals, doesn’t require permanent land use like burial, and is significantly more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than cremation.

How much soil is produced? 

The process creates about one cubic yard of nutrient-rich soil.

Can families participate? 

Yes, families are encouraged to take part in the laying-in ceremony and personalize it in ways that feel right to them. Additionally, families have the opportunity to visit their loved one’s vessel throughout the process.

Can I include human composting in my preplanned arrangements? 

Yes. Preplanning ensures your wishes are honored and gives your family peace of mind.

Is human composting legal everywhere?

Composting is now legal in 12 states, with many more set to ratify it soon. But if yours is not one of them, you can arrange to have your loved one cared for in a state that offers the service for an additional transportation fee. The soil will also be made available in that state. Our terramation service in Auburn, Washington, provides this service through the nearby SeaTac (Seattle) airport.

What does it cost?

The cost of organic reduction or terramation varies depending on which funeral home you choose, but generally speaking, it is about half the cost of an average traditional burial and funeral and slightly less than the cost of a full-service cremation, according to the latest National Funeral Directors Association survey results.

Is Terramation Right for You?

Terramation, also known as organic reduction or human composting, is for families who value sustainability, renewal, and creating a meaningful legacy. It’s a way to honor someone you love while helping to nuture the planet.

If you’d like to learn more or start your arrangements, we’re here to help.

If you’d like to learn more or start your arrangements, we’re here to help.

Learn more about human composting in Washington

Or find a location near you