Natural Organic Reduction
Natural organic reduction, commonly called human composting, transforms the body into nutrient-rich soil through a controlled, accelerated decomposition process.
Overview
Natural organic reduction (NOR) — widely known by its consumer-facing name, human composting — is a body disposition process that uses controlled aerobic decomposition to convert human remains into soil. Washington became the first U.S. state to legalize the practice in 2019, and it has since spread to a growing list of states and is under consideration in several others.
The process is grounded in the same microbiology used in agricultural composting, adapted and regulated specifically for human remains by licensed facilities.
How It Works
The body is placed inside a reusable vessel along with organic materials such as wood chips, alfalfa, and straw. These materials supply the carbon and airflow that beneficial microbes need to break down soft tissue. Facility staff monitor and adjust temperature, moisture, and oxygen levels throughout the process, which typically takes several weeks to a few months depending on the provider and technology used.
The process generates internal heat sufficient to neutralize most pathogens. Bones and any non-organic materials (such as surgical implants) are removed after the primary cycle and, where bone fragments remain, they are typically processed further to fully integrate into the finished soil. Families usually receive approximately one cubic yard of soil, which can be used in a home garden, donated to conservation land, or spread in a memorial forest.
Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Independent life-cycle comparisons commissioned by early NOR providers estimate meaningfully lower carbon impact than conventional burial or flame cremation, largely due to the absence of embalming chemicals, metal or concrete burial infrastructure, and fossil-fuel cremation energy. The resulting soil can support new plant growth, giving the process a directly regenerative outcome that other methods don't offer.
Legal Status & Availability
As of the most recent updates available to us, natural organic reduction is legally authorized in a growing number of U.S. states, with Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California, New York, and others having passed enabling legislation in recent years. Availability outside these states, and internationally, remains limited and is expanding gradually. Because this is an actively evolving legal landscape, always confirm current status with your state's funeral or cemetery regulatory board.
Laws governing body disposition vary by country, state/province, and sometimes county. Always verify current regulations with a local funeral authority, cemetery board, or attorney before making decisions.
Considerations
Families should confirm that a facility is licensed under applicable state law, ask what happens to non-organic implants and materials, and understand how much of the resulting soil they can take home versus what may be donated to conservation land. Cost is generally comparable to or somewhat higher than a simple green burial, though it varies by provider and region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is human composting the same as natural organic reduction?
"Human composting" is the informal name; "natural organic reduction" is the formal legal and scientific term used in most state statutes.
How much soil results from the process?
Providers typically report roughly one cubic yard (about 36 cubic feet) of finished soil per person, though amounts vary by facility.
Is the resulting soil safe to use in a vegetable garden?
Providers generally advise against use directly on food crops and recommend ornamental gardens, trees, or donated conservation land; ask your specific provider for their guidance.
How long does the full process take?
Most providers report a total timeline, including a curing period, of roughly six to twelve weeks, though this varies by facility and technology.