What is Terramation (Human Composting)?

Terramation, sometimes called organic reduction or human composting, is the process of turning human remains into soil. It is now legal in about a dozen states and is a choice growing in popularity for those seeking a new alternative to traditional burial and cremation.

Terramation was inspired by nature’s own process of decay and renewal, but takes place in a carefully controlled environment to speed the process up safely. The resulting soil is rich with nutrients, ready to support gardens, forests, or other spaces. Many find it’s a meaningful way to say goodbye while fostering renewal.

Why Choose Terramation?

There are a number of reasons why terramation is growing in popularity.

• A Natural Choice: Terramation avoids embalming chemicals, reduces energy use, and doesn’t produce emissions. It’s a sustainable option that supports the planet while honoring your loved one.
• Offers Personalization: Terramation gives families the opportunity to create a deeply personal goodbye. From the laying-in ceremony to deciding how the soil will be used, every step of the process was created with intention and offers space for ritual and personalization.
• A Growing Legacy: The soil created through terramation is nutrient-rich. It can nurture a garden, help restore land, or spread in a place that is meaningful to the family. It’s a way to turn loss into renewal and create a lasting impact.

How Does the Terramation Process Work?

1. A Laying-In: For many families, the process begins with a laying-in ceremony. This is a time to gather, reflect, and honor your loved one. The body is placed in a vessel filled with straw, alfalfa, and sawdust. Families may place organic items such as flowers, letters, and even jelly beans into the vessel. They can also decorate the outside of the vessel, and place important mementoes (flags, keepsakes, etc.) to make it uniquely meaningful.
2. Transforming with Care: Over the next 30 to 40 days, the body is gently transformed into soil inside the vessel. The process is carefully monitored every step of the way.
3. Resting and Stabilizing: Once the transformation is complete, the soil is screened and rests for an additional 30 days. This step ensures the soil is stable and ready for the family’s use.
4. Returning the Soil: At the end of the process, about one cubic yard of nutrient-rich soil (compost) is returned to the family. This soil can be used to plant a tree, create a memorial garden, or restore land. Families can choose how much to keep and whether to donate any portion. About 70% of families choose to keep the entire amount.

Frequently Asked Questions About Terramation

What happens during terramation? 

Terramation uses natural materials – straw, alfalfa and sawdust – to transform the body into soil in a controlled and respectful environment. Straw is a natural insulator, alfalfa supplies nitrogen to the microbes that transform the body, and sawdust absorbs all moisture. Remember, we are over 70% water, and need to be sure that everything is both absorbed, and transformed.

How does terramation affect the environment? 

Organic reduction or terramation avoids embalming chemicals, doesn’t require permanent land use like burial, and is much more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than cremation

How much soil is produced? 

The process creates about one cubic yard of nutrient-rich soil.

Can families participate? 

Yes, families are encouraged to take part in the laying-in ceremony and personalize it in ways that feel right to them. Along with this, families have the ability to visit their loved one’s vessel throughout the process.

Can I preplan for terramation? 

Yes. Preplanning ensures your wishes are honored and gives your family peace of mind.

What if it is not allowed in my state?

Terramation is now legal in 12 states, with many more set to ratify soon. But if yours is not one of them, you can arrange to have your loved one cared for in a state that offers the service for an additional transportation fee. The soil will also be made available in that state. Our Afterall terramation service in Auburn, Washington, provides this service through the nearby SeaTac (Seattle) airport. Find a location that offers terramation near you for exact pricing.

What does it cost?

The cost of organic reduction or terramation varies depending on which funeral home you choose, but generally speaking, it is about half the cost of an average traditional burial and funeral and slightly less than the cost of a full-service cremation, according to the latest National Funeral Directors Association survey results.

Is Terramation Right for You?

Terramation, also known as organic reduction or human composting, is for families who value sustainability, renewal, and creating a meaningful legacy. It’s a way to honor someone you love while nurturing the planet.

If you’d like to learn more or start your arrangements we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Find a location near you to learn more about terramation options.