What States Currently Allow Human Composting?

Currently, thirteen states have legalized human composting. In 2019, Washington was the first to allow for the composting of human remains, also referred to as biological decomposition, soil transformation, or natural organic reduction. Seattle-based Recompose was the first facility in the world to turn human remains into soil. 

Following the lead Washington set with its initial laws, each state legally imposes licensing for facilities, health regulations to ensure public safety, and required testing of reduced remains for contaminants. All state laws do not allow the reduced remains, or soil, to be used to grow food for human consumption. However, the soil can be used to fertilize trees, shrubs, flowers, open lands or house plants. Many companies allow families to participate in the process, as well. However, laws that govern human composting may otherwise vary by state, so it is best to check the legal status where you live if pursuing this option for yourself or a loved one.

Colorado was the second state to legalize human composting with its law enacted on August 8, 2021. Natural Funeral in Boulder County was the first company to provide body composting in the state in March 2022. They later hosted the first National Body Composting Conference in March 2023. Georgia was the most recent state to legalize human composting in May, 2025.

Several other states that passed laws in recent years do not yet have approved facilities in place. As of March of 2025, facilities are operating in five states: Washington, Oregon, Colorado Arizona and Nevada. And while California passed its legislation in September 2022, human composting will not be legally available until 2027 to allow companies ample time to establish regulated practices within the state.

However, some established companies in nearby states offer services for those willing to travel. Recompose has served dozens of residents from numerous states, including California, Florida, New York, and Arizona and will continue to do so. And Earth Funeral, located in Auburn, Washington, extends its services to California. 

Legislators throughout the United States have begun to recognize the need for laws as this eco-friendly non-burial option continues to grow. Several other states have introduced similar bills to allow for human composting. 

Sources

“Tracker: Where Is Human Composting Legal In The US?” Earth. https://earthfuneral.com/resources/tracker-where-human-composting-legal/ 

“AB-351 Reduction of human remains and the disposition of reduced human remains”. California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB351 

“SB21-006: Human Remains Natural Reduction Soil”. Colorado General Assembly. https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-006

“SB 5001 – 2019-20: Concerning human remains”. Washington State Legislature. https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5001&Initiative=false&Year=2019 

“Where is Human Composting Legal?” Recompose. https://recompose.life/human-composting/legal-status/