New Jersey legalizes human composting as eco-friendly burial
New Jersey is living up to its nickname, “The Garden State,” by embracing a greener end-of-life option: human composting.
A newly approved bill legalizes the process, formally known as natural organic reduction, which transforms human remains into nutrient-rich soil. This soil can then be used by loved ones to nourish plants or be scattered, similar to cremated ashes.
The practice has gained popularity in recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which left more than a million Americans dead. With this new law, New Jersey becomes the 14th state to legalize human composting in the past six years.
Within the next 10 months, funeral homes and end-of-life service providers in New Jersey will be able to offer human composting locally. Until now, residents interested in the process had to send remains out of state to facilities where it was already permitted.
The New Jersey Funeral Directors Association worked closely with lawmakers to draft the legislation, responding to growing public interest. While the process is more time-consuming than cremation—taking approximately 45 days—it offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial methods.
The process involves placing the body in a vessel with organic materials such as straw and alfalfa. The vessel is then sealed and connected to an HVAC system, creating the conditions needed for natural decomposition. The length of time a body remains in the vessel can vary by state.
Companies like Earth Funeral, based in Washington—the first state to legalize the practice in 2019—allow families to choose how much soil they’d like returned, whether it’s a small portion or enough to plant a tree or garden.
Supporters point to the environmental benefits. Traditional burials and cremations contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, whereas human composting offers a carbon-reducing alternative. In 2022, New York legalized the practice as part of its broader climate goals to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
As more states adopt this approach, human composting is emerging as a meaningful and sustainable way to honor both loved ones and the planet.
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