Human composting, also known as natural organic reduction or recomposition, offers an environmentally conscious method for body disposition, providing an alternative to traditional burial and cremation practices. This process aligns with ecological principles, gently returning a body to the earth’s natural cycle. It transforms human remains into soil, offering a sustainable approach to end-of-life care.
The Recomposition Process
The human composting process begins with placing the deceased body into a specially designed vessel. This container holds organic materials such as wood chips, alfalfa, and straw, creating an optimal environment for decomposition. Controlled conditions, including precise temperature, moisture, and aeration levels, are maintained to facilitate microbial activity. These microbes then work to break down soft tissues over a period typically ranging from 30 to 45 days.
This method mimics natural decomposition processes observed on a forest floor, where organic matter breaks down into nutrient-rich topsoil. The internal temperature of the vessel is kept between 130°F and 160°F. This accelerates decomposition and eliminates pathogens. The contents of the vessel are periodically rotated or aerated to ensure thorough exposure to oxygen, which supports the microbial action. This process is regulated by specific state laws.
The Transformation of Bones
While soft tissues decompose relatively quickly during human composting, bones, primarily composed of dense mineral structures like calcium phosphate, do not fully break down in the initial phase. After the primary decomposition of soft tissues, any remaining bone fragments are separated from the organic material. This separation removes non-organic items like medical implants.
The separated bone fragments undergo a secondary processing step. This involves a gentle grinding or pulverization process, similar to cremulation. This mechanical reduction transforms the bones into a fine, granular material or shards. These processed bone particles are then reintroduced into the compost, allowing for their complete integration into the soil-like product. This step ensures the entire body is incorporated, contributing mineral content, such as calcium and phosphorus, to the final soil.
Characteristics of the Final Soil
After the recomposition process and bone processing, the resulting material is a nutrient-rich, dark, and earthy soil. This soil is biologically stable and safe for use, meeting regulatory standards for pH balance and the absence of harmful pathogens like E. coli or Salmonella. The pH of the human composting soil typically ranges between 6.5 and 7, which is suitable for most plants.
The texture of the final product is consistent with garden soil, lacking any discernible human remains. Processed bone fragments are seamlessly integrated, contributing to the soil’s mineral content. Each recomposed body yields approximately one cubic yard of soil, a significant amount that can nourish new plant life.
Utilizing the Enriched Soil
Families typically have several options for the soil produced through human composting. Many choose to take a portion of the soil home to use in gardens, for planting trees, or spreading in natural areas that hold personal significance. This allows for a direct connection to the loved one, fostering new growth and life. The nutrient-dense soil is beneficial for the environment, supporting plant growth and contributing to carbon sequestration.
Any remaining soil not taken by families can be donated to conservation efforts or used for land restoration projects. This contribution supports ecological renewal, improving soil health. The cyclical nature of this process, returning nutrients from the body to the earth, aligns with principles of environmental stewardship.