Arizona Becomes 8th State to Legalize Human Composting

Governor Katie Hobbs has made it official: human composting is now legal in Arizona.

With the passage of HB2081, also referred to as the “Grandpa in the Garden bill,” Arizona has become the eighth state to legalize the process in response to a growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives to burial and cremation.

Human composting in Arizona is a new eco-friendly option

Concern for the environment is on the rise around the world. The increasing number of dangerously hot days in Arizona makes the issue an urgent one for residents who face frequent heat waves and worsening air quality due to climate change.

That concern is fueling a revolution in the death care industry. More people are seeking green funeral options in Arizona and elsewhere. Human composting, also known as terramation, is one such option, a carbon-neutral alternative to burial and cremation that gives back to the environment with nutrient-rich soil that can support local ecosystems.

The bill received strong support from the public, with many writing letters to their state representatives, urging legalization as Haley Morris shares with Newsweek. Arizona joins Oregon, New York, California, Washington, New Jersey, Vermont and Nevada, all of which have legalized human composting since 2019 when Washington became the first.

Human composting in Arizona will become more accessible as local providers develop standards and regulations for the process. For now, out-of-state providers, including Earth, can provide transportation to their facilities.

Stay up to date with where human composting is legal in the US by visiting our tracker here.