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As Seen In WMAR-2 News Baltimore: Eco-friendly deathcare is now more accessible with first human composting facility open on the East Coast
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WMAR-2 News Baltimore
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May 20, 2026
WMAR-2 News Baltimore covers the opening of Earth Funeral's new facility in Elkridge, Maryland, the first human composting facility on the East Coast and the largest of its kind in the world at 37,000 square feet.
The coverage explores how Earth Funeral's 37,000-square-foot Elkridge facility eliminates the need to transport remains to the West Coast, making natural organic reduction more accessible for East Coast families. ABC Baltimore's Blair Sabol reports that remains are combined with organic mulch, wood chips, and wildflowers inside a custom vessel monitored by proprietary sensors, and in about 30 days are transformed into soil, which families can pot, plant, or share. The article features Earth Funeral CEO Tom Harries explaining the process: "This is what would happen on the forest floor. We're just accelerating that process through science and technology."
Sabol profiles Steve Spiese, who lost his wife Peggy last December and attended the opening tour to see the process up close for the first time. He used the soil from her transformation to plant a butterfly bush in her honor. "To be laid in that rich soil, surrounded by wild flowers," he told WMAR-2. "I can't think of anything that she would have wanted more than that."
The piece also features Maryland Delegate Jessica Feldmark, whose father was an environmental activist and whose family used Earth Funeral to honor his wishes. Feldmark spoke at the opening, telling WMAR-2 she believed her father "would be thrilled to see the availability expanding and the popularity growing."
The article notes that Howard County's existing reputation as an environmental leader made it a natural home for the first human composting facility of its kind on the East Coast, and highlights the environmental benefits of soil transformation compared to traditional burial and cremation.
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Takeaways
- First East Coast Facility: WMAR-2 News reports that Earth Funeral's Elkridge, Maryland location is the first human composting facility on the East Coast and the largest in the world, spanning 37,000 square feet with capacity for up to 2,000 remains per year.
- How It Works: The coverage explains that remains are placed with organic mulch, wood chips, and wildflowers in a custom vessel, producing approximately 300 pounds of nutrient-rich soil in about 30 days with no harsh chemicals or fossil fuels.
- How the Soil Is Used: Families can pot, plant or share their soil or even craft jewelry with it.
- Accessible to East Coast Families: The article highlights that the Maryland facility eliminates long-distance transport for families across Virginia, Maryland, and the broader East Coast.‍
- Community Support: The piece features Maryland Delegate Jessica Feldmark, herself a customer, who spoke at the opening and noted the facility's strong fit with Howard County's environmental values.
Watch more on WMAR-2 News Baltimore
"To be laid in that rich soil, surrounded by wild flowers. I can't think of a thing that she would have wanted more than that."
