Human Composting for ‘Green’ Burials Closer to Law in New York

New Yorkers could soon have another burial option: being converted into soil.

The state Legislature passed a bill (S.5535/A.382) allowing for human composting. It would allow facilities to use natural organic reduction, which accelerates the process of biological decomposition in an above-ground container and transforms human remains into soil, according to the bill language.

The method is environmentally sustainable and a cost-effective alternative to cremation and burial, according to the legislation. Washington State legalized natural organic reduction in 2019, and Oregon and Colorado passed similar bills last year.

The state Senate passed the bill in a 61-2 vote ...