Human Composting Statistics

By: Team Earth

Oct 04, 2022 | Human Composting 101

2 min read

Note: The green funeral statistics on this page are kept under review to reflect the most up to date information available. For further information on human composting (also known as natural organic reduction), please explore the linked resources at the bottom of the page.

Human composting

Human composting - basic facts

30-45 days

The human composting process takes approximately 30-45 days. The exact length of the process varies depending on the size of the body.

1 cubic yard

Human composting produces an approximate cubic yard of soil.

$5,000-$7,000

The cost of human composting varies based on factors such as location, provider and the exact services chosen.

Human composting statistics

10 states

Human composting is currently legal in ten states: Washington, Oregon, California, Vermont, Nevada, Colorado, New York, Arizona, Maryland, and Delaware.

12+

Human composting is available beyond these ten states. Residents of states that have not yet legalized body composting can arrange for transportation across state lines.

83,570,000 people

There are more than 76 million residents in states where human composting is legal.

Green funeral statistics

60.5%

According to NFDA research conducted in 2022, 60.5% of people are interested in exploring green funeral options

350

The Green Burial Council estimated in March 2022 that there are 350 green burial cemeteries in the US and Canada.

The funeral industry and the environment - statistics

4.3 million gallons

Cornell University’s Mary Woodsen estimates that more than four million gallons of embalming fluid are used in US burials each year, in addition to:

20 million board feet of hardwoods
1.6 million tons of concrete
64,500 tons of steel

1 billion lbs

Cremation uses fossil fuels to maintain temperatures of 1900° F for between one and three hours at a time.

Each cremation produces 535 lbs of CO2, which is equivalent to a 609 mile car journey in an average sized car.

In total cremation produces about 1.04 billion lbs of CO2 each year in the US alone.

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Other human composting resources

Oct 06, 2024 | Human Composting 101

Organ Donation and Human Composting: Can You Do Both?

Learn how organ donation and human composting can work together. Explore the process, benefits, and how to ensure your end-of-life wishes include both sustainable choices.

2 min read

Oct 21, 2024 | Human Composting 101

Human Composting vs. Cremation: An Eco-Friendly Comparison

Both cremation and human composting are more affordable alternatives to traditional burial and result in remains that can be scattered or kept for different types of memorialization. But these two methods differ significantly in their process and impact on the environment. Find out how they compare.

4 min read

Nov 13, 2024 | Grief Resources

How to Talk About Your Funeral This Holiday Season

As we look toward the holiday season—a time for family connections, we've created this helpful guide on how to talk about end-of-life wishes with family members. These conversations can bring understanding and comfort, helping you and your loved ones share what matters most.

5 min read