What Is Natural Organic Reduction (Human Composting)?

The short answer: Natural organic reduction (NOR), commonly called human composting, is a disposition method that transforms a human body into nutrient-rich soil over 4–8 weeks using a controlled environment of plant material, heat, and moisture. The resulting soil can be returned to family, donated to conservation land, or used in a memorial forest. It is currently legal in about a dozen US states and growing.

How the Process Works

The body is placed in a vessel (a cylindrical steel container) with a mixture of alfalfa, straw, and wood chips. The vessel is slowly rotated or maintained at controlled conditions to facilitate microbial decomposition — the same process that occurs in a compost pile, but contained and managed. Over approximately 30–45 days, the body is fully transformed into approximately one cubic yard of rich, dark soil. Bones that don't fully break down are processed (similar to cremated remains) and incorporated into the soil.

Pathogen testing is typically conducted before the soil is released to confirm it is safe. The resulting soil is free of pathogens and pharmaceuticals (which break down in the composting process).

Which States Allow Human Composting?

As of 2025, human composting is legal in: Washington (the first, 2019), Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California, New York, Nevada, Arizona, Maryland, Delaware, Hawaii, and Minnesota (with more states considering legislation). This list continues to expand each year.

Environmental Impact

Human composting uses a fraction of the energy of flame cremation and produces no direct carbon emissions. It also returns nutrients to the earth rather than sequestering them in an embalmed body or burning them. Advocates estimate it saves approximately 1 metric ton of CO2 equivalent per person compared to conventional burial.

What Happens to the Soil?

Families receive their loved one's soil — approximately 1 cubic yard, or several large bags. They can use it in a home garden, spread it in a meaningful natural place, donate it to a conservation forest or land trust, or combine it with a tree planting. Providers like Recompose (Seattle) and Return Home (Auburn, WA) offer beautiful facilities and stewardship programs.

Cost and Availability

Human composting typically costs $3,000–$7,000, similar to or somewhat above direct cremation. Providers are currently concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, with California and New York providers opening. If NOR is legal in your state but no local provider exists, some providers accept out-of-area clients with transportation arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is human composting legal in my state?

As of 2025, NOR is legal in Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California, New York, Nevada, Arizona, Maryland, Delaware, Hawaii, and Minnesota. Check your state's funeral regulatory board for current status.

What do human composting remains look like?

The result looks and smells like rich garden soil — dark, earthy, and nutrient-dense. There is no visible sign of the body. Some providers sift and process the soil before returning it to the family.

Can I spread human composting soil anywhere?

Rules vary by provider and location. Soil can typically be spread on private property, in forests, or in other natural areas where scattered cremated remains are also permitted. Check with your local park authority and the provider for specific guidance.

What religions accept human composting?

Human composting acceptance varies. The Catholic Church has not issued formal guidance; some Catholic theologians accept it under the principle of respectful return to earth. Judaism and Islam generally prefer intact burial and may not accept this method. Consult your religious authority.

How does human composting compare to green burial?

Both have minimal environmental impact. Green burial returns the body to earth intact in a biodegradable shroud or casket. Human composting accelerates that process to weeks in a controlled environment. Both allow the body's nutrients to re-enter the soil; human composting produces a defined quantity of soil that can be shared with family.

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