What's the Difference Between Cremation and 'Composting'?

While more Americans are choosing cremation than ever before, new methods of disposition are now legal in some states.

One option you may have heard about is called organic reduction, sometimes referred to as “human composting.”

In the end, both methods break down the body and leave some solid material to scatter or bury, but the methods differ in other ways.

Understanding how they work may help you better choose which option works for you.

What is Cremation?

According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), cremation is “the mechanical, thermal, or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments.” While we think of cremated remains as “ashes,” part of the process involves taking those fragments and processing and pulverizing what’s left into smaller pieces that are no more than one-eighth of an inch in size, CANA explains.

Understanding the Cremation Process

According to CANA, there are two main types of cremation legally allowed in the United States. Flame cremation is far more prevalent and has a much longer history. In flame cremation, flame and heat are used to reduce human remains to bone fragments.

The second type of cremation, now legal in a few states, is called alkaline hydrolysis or “water cremation.” This method uses a “water-based dissolution process which uses alkaline chemicals, heat, agitation, and pressure to accelerate natural decomposition,” CANA explains. Some religions do not approve of the practice for their members.

What is ‘Human Composting’ or ‘Organic Reduction’?

One of the newest methods for handling remains is what some call “human composting,” or organic reduction. Like alkaline hydrolysis, it is not legal everywhere. It is currently legal in about a dozen states. The process takes approximately 8-12 weeks, according to Recompose, the Seattle-based company that first launched the new method. Loved ones are placed in a container with straw, alfalfa, and wood chips to be turned into soil two to three months later, according to the company website.

What Are the Differences Between Cremation and Organic Reduction?

Speed: Depending on your funeral provider's availability, cremation can take place in a matter of days. Organic reduction takes 8 to 12 weeks.

Cost: According to the Recompose website, organic reduction is currently priced at $7,000. A direct cremation costs approximately $1,000, depending on your region and provider. A full-service cremation is about the same cost as an organic reduction, according to statistics from the National Association of Funeral Directors.

Legality: Organic reduction is legal in 11 states. Flame cremation is legal and available throughout the United States. Water hydrolysis is legal in about 20 states.

‘Green’ options: Organic reduction is viewed as one green alternative because of the ability to place the body back into the soil and its use of natural materials. Some consider cremation as a better green option than burial because no embalming fluids, caskets, or vaults are needed. However, cremation does use power to create the heat and flame necessary. Both have some positive “green” attributes depending on what values are most important to you. As the National Funeral Directors Association says, there are many “shades of green” depending on what issues are most important to you.

Accessibility: Because organic reduction and water hydrolysis are not available in all states, it is easier to find a provider to provide flame-based cremation. The greater availability of the service also means there is more competition, resulting in lower prices for families.

How Remains Will Differ Between Composting and Cremation

According to the Recompose website, families of composted adults will receive about a cubic yard of nutrient-rich soil weighing between 500 and 1,000 pounds that will be safe to use on plants and in gardens. Like cremated remains, it can be used in a variety of ways, from tree planting to enriching a garden or sharing among many uses and locations.

Cremated remains or “ashes” may be white or gray in color. The remains of a 200-pound person are about the size and weight of a five-pound bag of flour and the consistency of sand. They are not toxic and safe to scatter in your location of choice (but always ask the property owner). You may bury or inter ashes if you want a permanent memorial or choose a cremation urn to display in your home. 

Weighing Your Choices

Like many of the choices around your final goodbye, you have a number of factors to consider as you choose the method that’s the best fit. Among the things to weigh as you choose between “composting” and cremation are the cost, accessibility, and environmental impact. Whatever option you choose, be sure to check in with your provider to make sure all your questions are answered and your concerns are addressed. By reading up on the process, you are taking an important first step toward planning a fitting finale.