TRENTON, N.J. (1010 WINS) – New Jersey has legalized human composting, becoming the 14th state to offer its residents the environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation.
The bill was signed into a law last week. The resulting soil can be used for a variety of purposes, from nurturing houseplants to being scattered in nature.
The practice has seen a surge in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The legislation was crafted in collaboration with the New Jersey Funeral Directors Association after residents expressed growing interest in the service, with many previously traveling or shipping remains out of state to access it. Local funeral homes and end-of-life facilities are expected to be able to offer the service within the next 10 months.
Human composting takes approximately 45 days in a procedure that involves placing the body in a "vessel" with organic materials like straw and alfalfa, where it is left to decompose naturally.
New York legalized human composting in 2022, with a focus on its goal to reduce carbon emissions.