Human composting, also called natural organic reduction, turns human remains into soil through controlled decomposition; Earth Funeral estimates typical costs at $5,000–$7,000. Fourteen U.S.
states have passed legislation allowing it, although California's law takes effect in 2027 and local availability depends on licensing and facilities. For families, the practical questions are where the process will happen, what transportation will cost and who will receive the soil. Those decisions help turn a preference into arrangements a funeral provider can carry out.
Table of Contents
- How does human composting work?
- What does the price include?
- Where is human composting legal?
- What can families do with the soil?
How does human composting work?
Recompose places each body in a vessel with wood chips, alfalfa and straw. Naturally occurring microbes break down the remains. According to Recompose's process guide, the process takes approximately eight to twelve weeks and produces about one cubic yard of soil per person. At Recompose, the body spends five to seven weeks inside the vessel.
The soil then undergoes another three to five weeks of curing. Families choosing this provider should plan around that full timeline when arranging soil pickup or a gathering involving the soil. The process takes place in a controlled facility. Washington requires contained vessels designed for aerobic decomposition—decomposition with oxygen—and licensed operators. Its rules also require a temperature of at least 131°F for 72 consecutive hours during processing.
What does the price include?
Earth Funeral's $5,000–$7,000 estimate is a provider-reported planning range, rather than a guaranteed nationwide price. Compare written quotes based on the services included, especially transportation and ceremonies. Recompose's General Price List, effective February 17, 2025, lists human composting at $7,000. That includes body preparation, transportation from Washington State or the Portland metropolitan area, and soil pickup or donation.
Ceremonies cost extra. Recompose lists a $1,700 ceremony package, bringing the combined price to $8,700 before any other applicable charges. Families arranging transportation from outside the included area should request a quote covering the entire transfer. Ask each provider for an itemized total that addresses transportation, care of the body, the composting process, any ceremony and the chosen soil arrangements. This makes quotes easier to compare and gives the person handling payment a concrete budget.
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Where is human composting legal?
According to Earth Funeral's legal-status tracker, updated September 1, 2026, fourteen states have passed human-composting legislation. They are Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. Passing a law does not necessarily mean a local facility can already operate. California's law takes effect in 2027, and providers must obtain the required state licenses before offering the process locally. Ask a prospective provider where the composting will occur and whether that facility is licensed to perform it.
Living elsewhere may still allow you to choose human composting. Recompose says residents of many states without legalization can arrange transportation to a licensed facility in another state. It coordinates these transfers through funeral-home partners. If a death has occurred, ask the receiving provider to explain the transfer arrangements before committing to a local service package. For advance planning, record the chosen provider and transportation plan alongside your disposition wishes.
What can families do with the soil?
Recompose allows families to keep soil for plants and gardens or donate it to conservation efforts. Its approximate yield of one cubic yard makes the amount worth discussing before choosing how much to retain. Consider who will collect the soil, where it will go and whether the intended recipient wants that quantity.
Donation is an available option through Recompose for families who prefer it. According to Recompose's soil-use guidance, its Washington guidance requires landowner permission before scattering soil on someone else's property. Obtain that permission before arranging a gathering or transporting soil to the site.
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