Human Composting in New York: Now Available from Earth Funeral

• Human composting is available to New York families facing an immediate need or imminent loss from Earth Funeral
• Soil transformation is a gentle, natural, and eco-friendly end-of-life option
• Earth Funeral is now available to New York families facing an immediate need or imminent loss
• Earth Funeral is the national market leader in soil transformation
• Human composting is legal in New York

Earth Funeral's soil transformation services are now available to New York families facing an immediate need or imminent loss.

This gentle, natural, and environmentally conscious method is an alternative to traditional burial and cremation, and for New York families, our team is ready to help today.

What is Human Composting?

Human composting, also known as soil transformation, natural organic reduction (NOR), or terramation, is a process that gently transforms a body into nutrient-rich soil over 30 to 45 days.

Rather than burial or cremation, the body is placed in a purpose-built individual vessel alongside organic materials like wood chips and mulch. Naturally occurring microbes do what nature has always done: they break down organic matter and return it to the earth. The result is approximately 250 pounds of clean, nutrient-rich soil that families can spread at a New York cemetery of their choosing, or donate to conservation projects that restore ecosystems across the country.

Is Human Composting Legal in New York?

Yes. New York was the sixth state in the country to legalize soil transformation, and New York families facing an immediate need or imminent loss can access services through Earth Funeral today.

Because soil transformation takes place at our Maryland-licensed facility in Elkridge, the process involves two coordinated steps, both managed by Earth Funeral's licensed funeral directors. Earth Funeral's New York funeral establishment handles care and transportation, and our Maryland facility carries out the transformation itself. Your family never has to navigate logistics alone.

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How Does Human Composting Work in New York?

When a New York family chooses Earth Funeral, here is what happens:

Care and transport. Earth Funeral's New York funeral establishment coordinates collection from the place of passing and manages all transportation, paperwork, and permits. Your loved one is then transferred to our Maryland-licensed facility in Elkridge, our Care Team handles every step so your family never has to.

The transformation. Your loved one is placed in a proprietary stainless steel vessel, continuously monitored for temperature, moisture, and airflow. Over 30 to 45 days, the body is gently transformed into soil. Families receive updates at each stage through the Earth Family Portal.

Return of soil. Approximately 250 pounds of nutrient-rich soil is returned to your family. Under New York law, soil must ultimately be placed in a cemetery. Families can have it shipped to them to spread at a New York cemetery of their choosing, or donate it to one of Earth Funeral's regional conservation partners outside of New York.

Create an instant quote to see exactly what's included for New York families.

Is Human Composting Environmentally Friendly?

Yes, soil transformation is significantly more environmentally sustainable than traditional burial or cremation. Soil transformation produces no net CO₂, versus the 535 pounds emitted by the average cremation. It requires no land, uses no toxic chemicals, and runs on renewable energy. The soil it creates can nourish trees that capture carbon for decades.

Our process:

• Uses renewable energy
• Requires minimal water compared to other disposition methods
• Creates nutrient-rich soil that supports conservation projects and ecosystem restoration
• Avoids the land consumption, toxic chemicals, and resource intensity of traditional burial
• Eliminates the fossil fuel consumption and emissions of cremation

For New York families who have spent their lives caring about the land, the trails of the Adirondacks, the forests of the Catskills, the Hudson River watershed, soil transformation is an end-of-life choice that gives back rather than takes away.

You can explore the full comparison of every major disposition method in our Environmental Impact of Funeral Choices research report.

Can I Pre-Plan Human Composting in New York?

Not yet. Earth Funeral is currently available to New York families facing an immediate need or imminent loss. Pre-planning options for New York residents are not available at this time.

We are working to bring pre-planning to New York. Check back for updates or contact our Care Team to be notified when it becomes available.

What Can New York Families Do with the Soil?

Under New York law, soil from a soil transformation must ultimately be placed in a cemetery. Families can have the soil shipped to them to spread at a New York cemetery of their choosing. Any soil your family chooses not to keep is donated to conservation projects outside of New York, growing trees, restoring habitats, and nurturing native plants across the country.

Our Care Team will walk you through your options. Our How to Use Your Soil Guide shares real stories from families who have found what felt most meaningful to them.

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Where is Earth Funeral Available in New York?

Earth Funeral is currently available to families in the following New York counties:

Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester.

Create a quote here to see what's available where you live.

Learn More

Ready to explore soil transformation for your New York family?

• Create a personalized quote — Get pricing and service details tailored to your needs
• Contact our Care Team — Speak with a licensed funeral director about your options
• Watch how it works — See our facilities, our process, and the families who chose Earth Funeral