Where Can a Green Burial Take Place?

There are no laws in any state in the U.S. that prohibit natural burial. Unembalmed bodies may be buried at any cemetery, and most cemeteries allow the use of a plain wooden casket or other biodegradable container for burial. However, nearly all conventional cemeteries require the use of cement grave liners or vaults, which prevent the casket from coming in contact with the ground. These liners serve multiple purposes, including:

• protecting the casket from damage caused by heavy machinery and equipment 
• preventing the digging of other graves placed closely together 
• to allow for more plots in a smaller area, and 
• to help with ground subsidence 

However, the use of concrete is discouraged by the Green Burial Council due to the environmental harms associated with manufacturing, such as the production of CO2 and depletion of valuable natural resources. Additionally, it reduces these resources for a one-time burial rather than utilizing them more sustainably.

The preferred depth for burial, according to the Green Burial Council, is 3.5-4 feet, which maintains the natural “smell barrier” while allowing the body to come into contact with the top layers of the soil, where the majority of microbial activity occurs. Burial depth at conventional cemeteries varies greatly by state, as laws primarily pertain to how much soil is on top of the grave rather than the depth of the grave itself.

For these reasons, a green burial should take place at a natural cemetery, a hybrid cemetery or a conservation burial ground where concrete grave liners and vaults are not required. It may also be possible to bury a person without a vault or grave liner in some municipal cemeteries across the United States. In no state is a grave liner or vault required by law, this is a cemetery rule and can be avoided. Ask if your cemetery will allow burial without a vault, especially rural cemeteries where these rules often do not exist. Although their numbers are growing, access to these options is still expanding in many parts of the country—and with growing interest and demand, availability is likely to continue improving.

To locate a green cemetery in your area, check the Green Burial Council’s website for certified and non-certified cemeteries across the U.S and Canada. Be aware that laws pertaining to burial can vary if you choose a cemetery outside of your home state. We recommend checking with your local chapter of the Funeral Consumer Alliance to find out more about which laws are applicable.

Sources

“New Hampshire Funeral Resources & Education”. https://www.nhfuneral.org/ 

“Funeral Consumers Alliance”. https://funerals.org/ 

“Legal Burial Requirements by State”. New Hampshire Funeral Resources and Education. https://www.nhfuneral.org/legal-requirements-by-state.html 

“Cemeteries”. Green Burial Council. https://www.greenburialcouncil.org/cemeteries.html