Legalising Human Composting as a Sustainable Death Care Option in NSW

human composting in progress

The ‘Laying In’ process at the Recompose funeral home in Seattle (Image: supplied)

“Every body can help the planet” is the tagline of Earthly Remains, a not-for-profit organisation set up to advocate for human composting as a more sustainable death care option in Australia.  At a recent meeting of Rotarians 4 Planetary Health, at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba, Rotarian Faye Woodward gave a fascinating presentation about a live petition before the NSW Parliament which is asking the NSW Government to recognise and regulate human composting, also called natural organic reduction or terramation, as a sustainable end-of life-option.

Key Points:

According to Faye, human composting is already legal in 14 states in the US, and in Germany. Recompose, the first human composting facility in the world, is in Seattle and has been operating since 2020. Recompose is part of a global movement of organisations working to advocate for climate healing, soil health and environmental justice. They offer virtual tours of their facility to anyone who would like to find out more. 

There is growing public support for alternatives to traditional death care practices, that can allow people to help the planet after they die. Cremation pollutes our air and there is a shortage of land for burial. 

What is Human Composting?

Human composting transforms a deceased body into nutrient-rich soil, which offers a more environmentally conscious alternative. The body is wrapped in biodegradable material and placed into a specially designed vessel filled with wood chips, alfalfa and straw. Over several weeks, naturally occurring microbes and beneficial bacteria break down the body, turning it into around 100kg of nutrient-rich soil.  This soil can be used to nourish plants, gardens and natural landscapes. The process mimics the natural decomposition that occurs in the soil but accelerates it in a controlled environment.

Faye, who is also a local funeral director and celebrant based in Katoomba, joined the funeral industry so that she could advocate for change from ‘inside the tent’. With a background as an environmental scientist, Faye is keen to offer her clients more sustainable death care options. 

Faye has connected with others through both the Australia-wide Natural Death Care Advocacy Network and local Blue Mountains Group, Eco Rest, and is part of the growing movement to establish a regulatory framework in NSW to ensure human composting can be both legally recognised and safely implemented.

Faye Woodward, Funeral Director Picaluna

Faye Woodward, Funeral Director and Celebrant at Linchpin Funerals (Image: supplied)

“Human composting is more than just an alternative to burial or cremation – it’s a statement of values and a commitment to planetary health,” says Faye. “By choosing this body disposal method, people can leave a legacy of environmental care for future generations. As human composting gains momentum, it offers a transformative vision for how we can honour life, even in death, and create a legacy of love, sustainability and renewal.”

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