What is green burial and is it legal in the United States?
By CRYSTAL BAI •
The short answer: Green burial is a method of body disposition that allows natural decomposition without embalming, metal caskets, or concrete burial vaults. It is legal in all 50 U.S. states, though specific rules vary by state and cemetery. The goal is to return the body to the earth with minimal environmental impact.
What makes a burial "green"
A burial qualifies as green when it avoids practices that slow decomposition or introduce toxins into the soil:
- No embalming with formaldehyde or other preservative chemicals
- Biodegradable containers only: wicker, untreated wood, shroud, or cardboard
- No concrete burial vault or liner (required by most conventional cemeteries)
- No non-biodegradable grave markers (flat natural stones or GPS coordinates instead)
Is green burial legal in all 50 states?
Yes. No U.S. state prohibits natural or green burial. However, state laws govern specific requirements like:
- Whether a burial permit is required (it is, in every state)
- Minimum depth of burial
- Distance from water sources
- Whether home burial on private property is permitted
States where home burial on private land is permitted
Approximately 30 states permit burial on private property with varying requirements. States with clear home burial allowances include Texas, Indiana, Washington, and Virginia. States that prohibit or heavily restrict home burial include California, Indiana (in some counties), and New York City. Always verify with your county health department before proceeding.
Green burial vs. conventional burial: environmental impact
| Factor | Conventional Burial | Green Burial |
|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde used | Yes (embalming) | No |
| Metal casket | Yes (steel or copper) | No (biodegradable only) |
| Concrete vault | Yes (most cemeteries) | No |
| Land use | Permanent plot maintained | Natural habitat preserved |
| Decomposition timeline | Decades to centuries | Months to years |
Types of green burial cemeteries
- Hybrid cemeteries: Offer green burial sections within conventional cemeteries
- Natural burial grounds: Dedicated to green burial only, often in protected land
- Conservation burial grounds: Land permanently protected from development, burial funds conservation
Cost of green burial vs. conventional burial
Green burial is typically less expensive than conventional burial when you exclude the vault, embalming, and metal casket. A full green burial including plot, biodegradable shroud, and burial services typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000. Conventional burial with all components typically ranges from $8,000 to $20,000.