How Much Does Alkaline Hydrolysis Cost?

Like all forms of final disposition, the cost of alkaline hydrolysis varies by location, provider and the kind of equipment used. As of early 2021, at The Natural Funeral in Lafayette, Colorado, the cost of direct alkaline hydrolysis is $4,995, which includes the return of the loved one’s ashes and essence and a simple biodegradable urn. The cost goes up to $6,295 if the family wishes to have the funeral home wash, anoint, and dress their loved one and transport the body to the alkaline hydrolysis facility. By contrast, central Florida’s Casket Store and Funeral Chapel charges $750 for direct alkaline hydrolysis, which includes the return of the person’s ashes and a simple urn. And at Bradshaw Funeral Homes in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the cost ranges from $2,395 for a simple direct alkaline hydrolysis to $3,995 for alkaline hydrolysis plus a memorial ceremony.

Unfortunately, since there are still very few service providers who offer alkaline hydrolysis in the U.S, there is little opportunity for consumers who want to shop around. 

One of the biggest factors driving the cost of alkaline hydrolysis is the purchase price of the equipment. According to Mitch Shlensky of Bio-Response Solutions, the machines typically cost about $150,000 to $300,000 each, depending on the temperature the machine can reach. High-temperature, pressurized models are more expensive (about $250,000 in 2021)  but complete the process in about 6–8 hours, versus 14–18 hours for a low-temperature, more affordable machine. Obviously, a quicker turnaround time allows the provider to handle a larger volume of deceased individuals, which should drive down costs. However, the process is still slow compared to flame-based cremation, which typically turns a body to ash in 2–3 hours or less. As a result, very few crematories and funeral homes have adopted the technology as of 2021. 

It’s worth pointing out, however, that alkaline hydrolysis requires no casket, which offers cost-conscious consumers considerable savings over cremation, for which a burial container is required by law. In fact, the Funeral Consumer Alliance of Minnesota says that alkaline hydrolysis will only dissolve protein-based materials and has no effect on materials such as wicker, cotton and wood. For this reason, the body is typically wrapped in a leather, silk or wool shroud or a biodegradable plastic sheet.

Sources

The Natural Funeral. https://www.thenaturalfuneral.com/ 

Bradshaw Funeral. https://www.bradshawfuneral.com/our-green-cremation-services 

BioResponse Solutions. https://bioresponsesolutions.com/ 

Funeral Consumer Alliance of Minnesota. http://fcaofmn.org/alkaline-hydrolysis-green-cremation.html